Punjab Agriculture Minister Fast-Tracks Rs 1.05 Crore Payment to Sangrur Sugarcane Farmers

Punjab's Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, demonstrated unwavering commitment to the well-being of sugarcane farmers during a crucial meeting held on January 18, 2024. He directed department officials to promptly transfer Rs 1.05 crore into the bank accounts of sugarcane farmers in the Sangrur area by Monday, January 22, 2024.

Release of Rs 6.95 crores from Bhagwanpura Sugar Mill

Addressing the pressing issue of pending payments, Minister Khudian directed the Deputy Commissioner of Sangrur to ensure the release of approximately Rs 6.95 crores from the Bhagwanpura Sugar Mill to the deserving farmers by the end of the month.

This directive, issued during a meeting with Sangrur district administration, Bhagwanpura Sugar Mill management, and representatives of Ganna Kashatkar Sangharsh Committee, Dhuri, underscores the government's commitment to resolving farmers' concerns.

During the meeting, the Agriculture Minister displayed empathy toward sugarcane farmers, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their financial well-being. Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal received specific instructions to prevent any hardships for farmers in selling their produce, addressing concerns related to inactive purchases and lifting of the sugarcane crop.

Sangrur district authorities informed Minister Khudian that approximately 2 lakh quintals of sugarcane from the Bhagwanpura Sugar Mill had been processed through mills in Amloh, Budhewal, Mukerian, and Nakodar, given the non-operational status of the Dhuri unit.

No Exploitation Against 'Annadata'

Minister Khudian reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting farmers' interests, vowing not to allow any exploitation of the 'annadata' (food providers). He highlighted Punjab's leading position in the country for providing the maximum State Agreed Price (SAP) to sugarcane cultivators. With the recent SAP hike, farmers are now receiving Rs 391 per quintal for their yield.