Cane growers' agitation hits traffic in various places

Mysore, July 12 (UNI) Hundreds of sugarcane growing farmers today resorted to rasta roko at various places in Chamarajanagara and Mysore districts of Karnataka demanding a higher price for their produce.

Members of the Mysore and Chamrajanagara Sugarcane Growers Association, led by their President Kuruburu Shanthakumar blocked the Mysore-Udhagamandalam road, disrupting vehicular traffic up to three km on either sides.

They also resorted to rasta rokos simultaneously at Bannur, Sthanthemahralli, Hullalli, Kollegal, Kowdali and Chamarajanagara link roads, affecting vehicular movemnets towards Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Talking to reporters, Mr Shanthakumar said the Association was demanding a hike in the price of sugarcane to Rs 1600 per tonne from the present Rs 1,015.

As several appeals to the government in this regard fell on deaf ears, the members had no other go but to resort to agitation, he added.

The farmers withdrew their agitation after Deputy Commissioner S Selva Kumar assured them that the government would look into the matter and settle it in a week's time.

UNI BSP RG RKN1906