Bagalkot: Farmers from Mudhol taluk, demanding higher minimum support price (MSP) for sugarcane, intensified their protest and blocked various prominent roads starting Wednesday morning.

The farmers have demanded Rs 3,500 per tonne of sugarcane while the state government offered Rs 3,300 a tonne, without taking into account the factory owners’ Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP). As the farmers were not in unison on whether to accept the offer, the meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Sangappa had failed.

Following the meeting, the farmers gathered on and blocked prominent rural routes in places like Shirola, Manturu and Yahadalli on Wednesday morning. On the road near Shirola, the farmers stacked up hay and weeds and set fire to the stack as part of the protest.

The Mudhol-Jamakhandi Road and the PM Road in Budni were closed for vehicular movement, while a bandh was organized in Mudhol town, with the protesters shouting out their demand for Rs 3,500 a tonne as MSP.

The farmers have warned that the protest will only be intensified further if the government fails to fulfill their demand. They have also said that they would pressure the sugar factory administration boards to urge the government to raise the MSP for sugarcane.

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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.

The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.

"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.

The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.

He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.