The Sampadak Express News Desk
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, called for a collective effort by farmers, sugar mills and the government to resolve long-running issues faced by sugarcane growers, including their demand for a minimum support price (MSP). According to The Hindu, he urged stakeholders to enter discussions to reach a balanced solution that sustains both cultivation and processing.
“This is not just one person’s responsibility; it is everyone’s responsibility. I do not wish to put the entire burden on a single individual,” he told reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar. Emphasising interdependence in the sector, he added, “If farmers grow sugarcane, factories will run. At the same time, factories must crush sugarcane without incurring losses. Only then will both survive. This is a matter of everyone’s livelihood.”
Mr. Shivakumar said he had informed elected representatives that growers’ concerns would be taken up and that he planned to speak separately with farmers and sugar factory owners. Central Ministers, Members of Parliament and local Ministers from the sugarcane belt would be invited to a joint meeting, for which a mutually convenient date would be set, he said.
Noting that he had “given [his] word to the farmers in Belagavi,” the Chief Minister said the issue must be settled through dialogue in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
On drought relief, Mr. Shivakumar said he had sought an appointment with the Union government to discuss assistance for Karnataka, but a meeting date had not yet been finalised.
He also directed Ministers to prepare for forthcoming local body elections, citing the Supreme Court’s direction to complete the polls by December 31 and the Election Commission’s plan to publish a new voters’ list on October 27. “The Election Commission may announce elections at any time. Hence, I have instructed the Ministers to prepare for the polls,” he said.
Referring to a Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru, Mr. Shivakumar said the government had decided to release funds to address road and drinking water issues at the Panchayat level. He asked MLAs to submit reports identifying requirements for funding and said he had spoken with local MLAs regarding funds for Bengaluru.
He also extended Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami greetings to people across the State.
