Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday to discuss several pressing issues affecting the state, particularly the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers.
The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) confirmed the visit on Sunday and outlined the schedule along with the key concerns he will raise during the meeting.
According to the CMO, Siddaramaiah will depart from HAL Airport in Bengaluru at 11 AM on a special flight and will arrive in New Delhi at 1:30 PM.
The current plan indicates a return journey from Delhi at 7 PM, with an estimated arrival in Bengaluru at 9:30 PM.
However, officials noted that the return schedule remains tentative and could change depending on the course of discussions.
Focus on Sugarcane Farmers’ Concerns
Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the Chief Minister will prioritise the sugarcane crisis during his meeting with the Prime Minister.
Karnataka’s sugarcane farmers have been demanding a higher price, as the Central government is responsible for setting the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP).
The Centre has fixed the FRP for 2024–25 and 2025–26 at ₹3,550 per tonne, a rate farmers consider inadequate.
Parameshwara explained that while the state government cannot shoulder an additional financial burden, it has still announced an extra ₹50 per tonne to support farmers.
Sugar factories have agreed to contribute this amount, bringing the price to ₹3,300 per tonne.
Despite this adjustment, the Chief Minister intends to request the Centre to further increase the rate to safeguard farmers’ interests.
Demand for Recovery-Based Pricing
The state government also plans to urge the implementation of sugar recovery–based pricing in Karnataka, a system already adopted in several other states.
The Chief Minister sought an appointment with the Prime Minister specifically to discuss this matter, and the Prime Minister granted the meeting for Monday.
Beyond sugarcane-related issues, Siddaramaiah will also raise important irrigation matters.
The Supreme Court recently granted certain permissions relating to the Mekedatu project, a long-pending initiative involving the construction of a reservoir across the Cauvery.
Parameshwara confirmed that this issue may also feature in the discussions with the Prime Minister.
The meeting is seen as significant, as it offers the state an opportunity to address multiple matters requiring Central support or intervention.
With farmers’ livelihoods, irrigation needs, and pricing reforms at stake, Siddaramaiah’s visit to Delhi carries considerable importance for Karnataka’s ongoing development priorities.
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