Union Minister Joshi invites Karnataka sugarcane farmers to Delhi for talks on FRP hike
New Delhi/Bengaluru: Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, has invited sugarcane farmers from Karnataka to Delhi for discussions over the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane, with officials to address their concerns, instead of staging protests. Joshi represents Dharwad Lok Sabha seat in Karnataka.
Responding to the sugarcane growers who are planning a protest in Hubballi on Tuesday, Joshi urged them to come to the national Capital and hold discussions with the officials concerned to find solutions to their problems.
In a video message shared on his X account, Joshi said the Narendra Modi-led Central government was always ready to address farmers’ concerns and welcomed Karnataka’s sugarcane growers to Delhi for an open discussion.
“I welcome Karnataka’s farmers to Delhi with utmost respect. We will arrange for farmer leaders to sit with the concerned officials and discuss their issues and find solutions,” he said.
Joshi said there was no need for farmers to stage protests on the streets and urged them to come forward for dialogue with the government.
He said the Central government had been increasing the FRP of sugarcane every year under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The FRP was increased to Rs 365 in May this year, he said, adding that an appropriate price would be ensured for sugarcane growers this year as well.
Joshi recalled that farmer leaders had met him in February 2026 while he was on his way to attend an event and had requested an increase in the FRP for sugarcane. Subsequently, the Centre increased the FRP to Rs 365 in May, he said.
He added that no farmer representatives had met him after the increase, but some farmers were now planning protests again demanding a further hike in the FRP.
“There is no need for a protest. The Central government is ready to respond to the farmers’ concerns,” Joshi said.
He also clarified that any decision on increasing the FRP for sugarcane would be taken after considering the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices and the report and recommendations of the state’s Cane Commissioner.
“If you come directly to Delhi, we will discuss the matter with the concerned officials and take steps towards ensuring an appropriate price. I extend an open invitation to farmer leaders and protesters,” he said.
He said the government was ready to hold detailed discussions on the concerns and confusion among sugarcane farmers and take appropriate measures to provide them relief.
“I assure farmers that we will listen to their grievances with utmost humility and make sincere efforts to find appropriate solutions. Therefore, I request you to come for discussions with the government,” Joshi said.