New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) The Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice Friday following protests by sugarcane farmers over falling prices for their crop.

The trouble began immediately after the house assembled when Samajwadi Party MPs raised slogans against the government.

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) MP S.S. Ahluwalia prevailed upon them to let nominated member H.K. Dua take his oath of office.

The MPs resumed their protest thereafter, refusing to heed to Chairman Hamid Ansari's appeals for calm. Ansari was forced to adjourn the house for 15 minutes.

The protests erupted when the house re-assembled, prompting Ansari to adjourn it again till 12 noon.