Sugarcane farmer commits suicide outside Assembly

Belgaum, Nov 27: As the winter legislature session is underway here, the farmer alongwith hundreds of others was taking part in an agitation going on for the last three days demanding higher price for sugarcane.

A sugarcane farmer today allegedly committed suicide by consuming pesticide outside the legislature building here during a protest against the "inadequate" minimum support price fixed by state-run Sugarcane Control Board for the crop.

As the winter legislature session is underway here, the farmer alongwith hundreds of others was taking part in an agitation going on for the last three days demanding higher price for sugarcane.

"The farmer was rushed to the hospital. Yes, he was brought dead to the hospital," officials of KLE Hospital, where he was taken after he took the extreme step, said.

The 60-year-old farmer has been identified as Vittal Arabhavi, hailing from Kankanvadi village in Raibag taluka, police said, adding, he was rushed immediately after he consumed pesticide, but was declared brought dead by doctors.

Sugarcane growers, who have rejected the price of Rs 2,500 a tonne fixed by the government, are continuing their stir demanding that it be raised to Rs 3,500 per tonne.

The government had recently constituted a 15-member sugarcane control board after the Karnataka Sugarcane (purchase and supply control) Act 2013 was amended in the monsoon session of the state legislature.

Besides government officials, representatives of sugarcane farmers and mills are members of the board.

As the third largest producer in the country after Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, Karnataka crushes 33 million tonnes of cane in 58 mills to produce 3.4 million tonnes of sugar annually.

Opposition leaders H D Kumaraswamy (JDS) and former Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda slammed the government over the incident, saying had it responded promptly and swiftly to the farmers' demand, it could have been avoided.

Farmers' leader and MLA Puttannayya said the government was fully responsible for the death of the farmer, as it was "stretching the issue" for no reason.

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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