All stakeholders must work together to resolve sugarcane growers’ issues: Karnataka CM D. K. Shivakumar

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday (October 20, 2026) said a collective effort was needed to resolve the problems faced by sugarcane growers, including their demand for a minimum support price (MSP), and called for discussions involving farmers, sugar factories and the government.

“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 mediapersons near his residence in Sadashivanagar.

“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,” he said.

Meeting to discuss issues

Mr. Shivakumar said he had informed elected representatives that the growers’ issues would be discussed and that he would speak separately with farmers and sugar factory owners. Central Ministers, MPs and local Ministers from the region would also be invited to a meeting, for which a mutually convenient date would be fixed.

“I have given my word to the farmers in Belagavi,” he said, pointing out that the issue needed to be resolved through dialogue and in an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

On drought relief, he said he had sought an appointment with the Union government to discuss assistance for the State, but a date had not yet been fixed.

Prepare for local body polls

Mr. Shivakumar said Ministers had been asked to prepare for the 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.

“During the Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru, it was decided to release funds to resolve road and drinking water issues at the Panchayat level. Therefore, I have asked MLAs to submit a report for funding, and I also called to wish them for the festival. Regarding funds for Bengaluru, I have called and spoken with the local MLAs,” he explained.

Mr. Shivakumar also extended Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami greetings to the people of the State.