Farmers agitation affects vehicular movement on Mysore-Ooty highway

Mysore, May 21 (UNI) Hundreds of tourist and passenger vehicles were stranded on Mysore-Ooty highway for more than one hour following rasta-roko agitation by sugarcane growers near here today.

The farmers from Mysore and Chamarajanagara Districts led by Mysore District Sugarcane Growers Association President Kurubar Santhakumar sat on the highway in protest against the Karnataka government's delay in release of support price of Rs 160 per ton though it was announced three months back. The Government owes Rs 480 Crore to the sugarcane growers in this region.

Mr Santhkumar also alleged that the government has also failed to release Rs 25,000 per acre compensation announced by it in case the sugar factories failed to lift the sugarcane grown.

Stating that there were 160 sugarcane growers in Mysore district alone who are waiting for the compensation, he threatened to intensify the agitation if the money was not released immediately.

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