Mysuru: While farmers from across the country staged a protest demanding the waiver of their loans at the Ramlila Grounds in Delhi, here in Mysuru, farmers under the Union of Farmers Association and State Sugarcane Growers Association staged a protest in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office on November 30. They urged the government to open ‘Paddy Purchase Centres’ at all taluk headquarters and initiate stringent action against the Bannari Sugar Factory owner for not giving preference to the local sugarcane cultivators.
A tense situation prevailed at the DC’s office here on Friday, as a large number of farmers assembled at the premises. Despite the heavy police presence at the premises, the farmers were able to move to the other side of the DC’s office and stage the protest right in front of the office gate, an area where the general public is not permitted to enter. As a precautionary measure, elaborate security arrangements were made at the DC’s office.
Speaking to Newskarnataka, Kurubur Shantha Kumar of the Sugarcane Growers Association said, “Two months ago, the price of paddy per quintal was Rs 2000, but now it has come down to Rs 1200. The government should open Paddy Purchase Centres immediately at all taluk headquarters and offer the farmers Rs 2000 per quintal.”
He then urged the district administration to take action against the owner of Bannari Sugar Factory and give strictly instruct him to give importance to local sugarcane farmers.
The DC said that a meeting would be held on December 7, the outcome of which will decide the future course. The DC also assured that Paddy Purchase Centres would be opened from Saturday, December 1, Kumar added.
