Udupi: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday described the sugarcane issue as a national problem, stressing that both farmers and sugar factories must remain economically viable.
Appealing to sugarcane growers to remain patient, Shivakumar said the state government had discussed the issue with Union ministers and had called a meeting to address farmers’ concerns.
He attributed this year’s difficulties partly to low rainfall, which had affected sugarcane cultivation. He also observed that sugar and sugarcane prices had not increased in the past 10 years.
The Chief Minister said the assistance announced earlier for sugarcane growers would continue and assured farmers that further discussions would be held to resolve their concerns.
Urging protesters to maintain peace, Shivakumar appealed to farmers not to take the law into their own hands. He emphasised the need to find a solution that safeguards the interests of both sugarcane growers and sugar factories.
On the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Shivakumar said every vote must be protected and no eligible voter should lose the right to vote because of political affiliation.
He said he would work to safeguard the voting rights of every citizen, underlining the importance of ensuring that all eligible voters retain their democratic rights.
