Members of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS), Mysuru district committee, staged a protest on Monday against rising diesel and fertilizer prices, alleged black market sale of fertilizer, attempts to privatise electricity distribution, and the difficulties faced by livestock owners due to the lack of buyers for cattle.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to the government through the office of the Deputy Commissioner, urging immediate intervention to address issues affecting farmers and rural livelihoods.

In the memorandum, the organisation stated that farmers are facing hardships in obtaining fertilizer and sowing seeds at the beginning of the sowing season in the district. It alleged that the DAP and urea are being sold on the black market, forcing farmers to pay higher prices for essential agricultural inputs.

Expressing concern over the alleged black market sale of fertilizer, the protesters said the practice has made crucial farm inputs difficult to access and demanded immediate action by the district administration to curb irregularities.

The protesters also opposed any move towards privatisation of electricity distribution and called for measures to revive the livestock market, noting that the absence of buyers for cattle has caused severe economic hardship for those having livestock.

Describing the State’s anti-cow slaughter law as detrimental to farmers, they demanded the establishment of a mechanism that would enable farmers to legally sell their livestock. They also sought action against individuals who, they alleged, misuse the law and engage in moral policing for personal gain.