Thousands of sugarcane farmers marched to the parliament on November 16, in support of their demand for remunerative prices for their produce and revoking of an ordinance that limited the price paid for their cane. Under the leadership of Bharat Kisan Union (BKU) and many other political parties, farmers from various parts of the country staged a militant protest demonstrating the unity of all farmers.

Angered by the attack on the interest of the farmers, they completely blocked the proceedings of the parliament for two days. Eventually after two-days the government was forced to withdraw the controversial clauses in the ordinance and ordered that the burden of extra cost must be borne by the sugar mill owners.

It must be noted that Uttar Pradesh government had increased the support price for sugarcane by Rs. 165-170, but the central government through an ordinance negated this and claimed that state government does not have any right to increase the price.

Farmers participating in the demonstration said that government is more concerned about the sugar-mill owners and not concerned about the interest of the farmers. One group of farmers aid that they would not move out from Delhi until their demand is fulfilled. We are fighting for our right, they asserted.

The rate of sugarcane was Rs. 140-145 per quintal last year when sugar was being sold at Rs.17-18/kg. Now sugar is costing Rs. 40-45/kg, and hence the farmers are demanding a rate of Rs.280 per quintal.  The farmers pointed out that although this is not very high we are still ready to agree to this amount. The farmers asked – if the price of sugar can be allowed to rise why not the price of sugar cane?

Addressing the gathering the spokesperson of BKU said that agriculture ministry of the central government is implementing such policies by which the sugarcane farmers will be devastated and it is importing sugar to fulfill domestic demand.

Activists of the Communist Ghadar Party of India participated in the demonstration, in support of the demands of the farmers.