D.K. Shivakumar (left) and Pralhad Joshi during their September 2023 meeting in Delhi. File photo.
BENGALURU: Karnataka sugarcane farmers’ demand for a price above the Centre’s Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) is set to be discussed in New Delhi on October 12, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi inviting Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to put forward the state’s position.
The meeting is scheduled for 3 pm at Krishi Bhawan and will involve Karnataka farmer representatives, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Joshi, according to his October 1 letter, which he shared on X on October 2.
Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad), October 2, 2026
State asked to present its case
Joshi asked Shivakumar to attend personally or depute the concerned state minister. He said the state’s participation would help address farmers’ concerns through coordinated discussions.
The letter says Karnataka farmers have sought an additional cane price over and above the FRP fixed by the Centre. The proposed talks are intended to hear their concerns and consider the state’s views for the 2026–27 sugar season.
Joshi cites ₹365-per-quintal FRP
In the letter, Joshi said the approved FRP for the 2026–27 season was ₹365 per quintal, applicable from October 1. He said it accounted for production costs and provided a 100.5% margin over the cost of production.
He also said state governments had been advised to facilitate crushing operations in keeping with local agro-climatic conditions to ensure timely harvesting and crushing. The new sugarcane crushing season began on October 1, the letter states.
The invitation is for a discussion on sugarcane prices; it does not announce a fresh price increase or confirm Shivakumar’s attendance. Joshi’s public post describes the meeting as an opportunity for constructive dialogue on Karnataka farmers’ concerns.
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