ARTICLE 4 #SupportFarmers

Fire Destroys 53 Acres of Sugar‑Cane Crop in Brahmni Village, Rahuri Taluka, Ahilyanagar District A major fire broke out on Monday afternoon in the sugar‑cane fields of Brahmni village in Rahuri taluka of Ahilyanagar district, completely destroying crop spread over approximately 53 acres.

Farmers across several regions have expressed deep concern over the sharp decline in soybean and maize prices, which have fallen below the expected market rate this season. Due to the low returns, many cultivators are struggling to cover their input costs, including seeds, fertilizers, and transportation.

The PSMA called on the government to approve a proposed deregulation policy for the sugar sector early, arguing that this will help sugarcane growers secure better prices for their crops. The statement noted that last year, farmers benefitted from improved sugarcane rates when there was minimal government interference and cooperative efforts from the governments of Punjab and Sindh.

According to local traders, the current buying prices for maize have dropped significantly, leaving farmers frustrated and unwilling to sell their produce at such low margins.

Farmers in North Karnataka, particularly in the Dharwad region under Raitha Sene Karnataka, have launched an indefinite protest in Navalgund taluk.