Bengaluru, Oct 22 Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday said a meeting of sugarcane growers and sugar mill owners will be held in Belagavi on October 26 to discuss demands raised by farmers.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi would not be able to attend the meeting due to other commitments, he said.
Speaking to reporters before leaving for Delhi, he said Joshi suggested that the state hold its meeting first, followed by a separate meeting by the Centre.
“The problems faced by sugarcane growers are not confined to Karnataka. They concern the entire country. A separate meeting will be held with officials at the central level to discuss the issue and find a solution,” he said.
Sugarcane farmers in north Karnataka temporarily suspended their week-long ‘Hubballi Chalo’ agitation on Monday after discussions with officials and Union Minister Joshi. They have given the Centre and the state government time until November 26 to address their demands.
The farmers are demanding a price of Rs 5,500 per tonne of sugarcane, an increase in the minimum selling price of sugar to Rs 60 per kg, and review of the ethanol procurement policy for sugarcane-based ethanol, among others.
Meanwhile, the CM is scheduled to hold discussions with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M Scindia in Delhi on Thursday.
Shivakumar said he would hold discussions with the union ministers concerned about forest land disputes.
Responding to a question about possible discussions regarding environmental clearance for the Mahadayi and Mekedatu projects, he said, “Mekedatu is different, there are some forest-related issues. Farmers are demanding regarding the Mahadayi project. However, reaching a decision on the Mahadayi issue could be difficult due to the upcoming elections in Goa.”
On the Tungabhadra water issue, he said a request had been made to hold a meeting with the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister to discuss the matter.
“The water level in the Tungabhadra reservoir is critically low, while farmers’ demand for water is extremely high. With no rainfall, we need to formulate a strategy for the coming days,” he said.
The meeting with the Andhra Pradesh CM could take place either in Andhra Pradesh or in Delhi, he added.
Shivakumar said he would also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the days ahead to discuss Karnataka’s demands concerning drought relief.
“Separate teams of officials have been formed regarding this, and officials have also been assigned responsibilities. Officials will also look into what needs to be done with respect to central government schemes and funds. I have fixed a couple of appointments regarding this (in Delhi) and will come back to Bengaluru this evening itself,” he said.
When asked about his other engagements with the Union Communications Minister in Delhi, the CM said he had sought an appointment with Union Minister Scindia regarding issues concerning Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).
“He (Scindia) is also busy with Dussehra-related engagements. The matter will be discussed as soon as an appointment is available,” he said.
Shivakumar said that he would return to Karnataka on Thursday as the Polish Prime Minister was scheduled to visit Bengaluru on October 23, and would travel to Delhi on another suitable date to discuss the state’s issues.
Describing the Mysuru Dussehra celebrations as a grand success, Shivakumar said Wednesday’s Jumboo Savari procession had been conducted successfully.
“The torchlight parade and tableaux showcasing the grandeur of India received widespread appreciation. The Chief Ministers of Kerala and Telangana also attended Dussehra and expressed their appreciation. They have said they would send cultural troupes from their respective states in the future as well,” he said.
He credited ministers, officials and various organisations for their contributions to the successful conduct of the festivities.
Shivakumar also acknowledged the contributions and participation of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce team led by Jayamala and ‘Rockline’ Venkatesh, renowned sportspersons, the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy, and central public sector organisations such as HAL.
“The drone show at Mysuru Dussehra set a new record this time. I thank everyone who contributed to making the celebrations a success,” he said.
Asked about an untoward incident during the Shivamogga Dussehra celebrations, Shivakumar said, “There was a slight lapse in Shivamogga. We will be more careful next time. This is a wake-up call for us. Fortunately, no one was harmed.”
Pointing out that the government had taken precautions in Mysuru following a review of potential risks, he said the incident in Shivamogga served as a warning and that greater caution would be exercised in the future.
The Dussehra ‘Jamboo Savari’ procession in Shivamogga was cut short on Wednesday after an elephant carrying the howdah went out of control, triggering panic among spectators.
(PTI News)
