Farmers protest seeking Rs 12,500 per quintal for tur

Kalaburagi: The bandh called by pro-farmer organisations, including Karnataka Pranth Raitha Sangh and Akhil Bharat Kisan Sabha, received a varied response in Kalaburagi on Wednesday. Their primary demand included Rs 12,500 per quintal for the tur crop.The state transport department buses scheduled to depart from the central bus stand to other states and districts left before 5am, when the bandh commenced. The Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation notably operated its services from ring roads in all four directions of the city.The city's Nrupatunga buses remained off the roads until the afternoon. Consequently, passengers travelling to Kalaburagi city and nearby villages had to rely on autorickshaws, paying fares above the standard rates.Whilst shops and hotels near the central bus station initially closed, they resumed operations shortly after. Despite protesters' requests for closure, businesses in Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Circle, Jawargi Cross, Shahabazar Colony, Alanda Colony, Kharge Petrol Pump, and Station Bazar area continued their regular operations.The supermarket area, being the commercial centre, remained active with shops conducting business. Street vendors and hotel owners carried on with their usual trade.Farmer leaders conducted protests early morning, highlighting the significant losses faced by tur growers this year. They emphasised the urgent need to address farmers' concerns, noting that numerous farmers affected by crop damage were demonstrating. Their demands included the announcement of a special relief package from the govt.The morning protest saw participation from farmer leaders Sharanabasappa Mamashetty, Bhima Shankar Madiyala, SR Kallur, Arjun Gobbur, Mubeen Ahmed, and Dilip Nagore.