Mysuru, 24 Oct

Farmers under the banner of the State Sugarcane Farmers Association protested in Mysuru on Friday, demanding a revision of the compensation provided for crop loss under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF). They said the rates, fixed eight years ago, were outdated and failed to reflect current realities.

Protesters shouted slogans against the Union government for not revising the compensation provided to farmers and those affected by floods, droughts, and other natural disasters. They urged amendments to the NDRF law to ensure higher payouts.

The farmers also demanded a special compensation package of Rs 5,000 crore for those affected by floods in Kalyana Karnataka and North Karnataka, similar to the relief extended to Punjab farmers. They appealed to Union ministers from the State to push for the package.

Addressing the gathering, State Sugarcane Growers Association president Kurubur Shanthakumar criticised the Centre for following “unscientific” guidelines and demanded compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre for rain-fed crops, Rs 40,000 for irrigated crops, and Rs 60,000 for commercial crops.

He further sought a crop loan waiver, resumption of MNREGA schemes for agriculture and horticulture, and an increase in Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane. He also called on the State to install sugarcane weighing machines near mills to prevent cheating and to open paddy procurement centres in every taluk, offering Rs 2,369 per quintal plus a Rs 500 incentive.