Record procurement of 167.20 lakh quintals of sugarcane; farmers hail CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s decision to clear all pending payments
Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Direct Transfer of Sugarcane Dues Encouraging Farmers to Shift beyond Wheat-Paddy Cycle: Pal Singh, Farmer
Historic Decision by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann to Clear Sugarcane Payments in Full Brings Massive Relief to Farmers: Lakhbir Singh, Farmer
CHANDIGARH; June 1:
Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab has achieved a major milestone in strengthening the agricultural and cooperative sectors, with the Punjab Government clearing 100% dues of sugarcane farmers during the 2025-26 crushing season. Sugar mills across the state procured a record 167.20 lakh quintals of sugarcane and released payments worth ₹695.36 crore, ensuring that farmers received their dues in full.
The achievement reflects the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s continued commitment to farmer welfare, crop diversification and rural prosperity. By encouraging farmers to move beyond the traditional wheat-paddy cycle and adopt sugarcane cultivation, the government has created new opportunities for agricultural growth while strengthening the rural economy.
Sugarcane cultivation and sugar mills play a vital role in generating employment and supporting thousands of farming families. To further encourage cultivation, cooperative sugar mills have undertaken several farmer-centric initiatives, including the supply of quality seed, subsidised agricultural machinery, fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, soil-testing facilities, awareness camps and training programmes. These efforts have contributed to higher productivity and growing farmer confidence in sugarcane cultivation.
The Bhagwant Mann Government has also prioritised timely payments to farmers. During the 2025-26 crushing season, all payments for procured sugarcane were released, providing substantial financial relief to growers and reinforcing their faith in the government’s agricultural policies.
Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Direct Transfer of Dues Has Renewed Farmers’ Faith in Sugarcane Cultivation: Pal Singh
Pal Singh, Sarpanch of village Huthian and a farmer associated with Batala Sugar Mill, welcomed the government’s decision and said, “I have been cultivating sugarcane for the last 30 years and currently have 20 acres under sugarcane cultivation. We are associated with Batala Sugar Mill, and the mill under the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Government has ensured that payments have reached farmers’ accounts. Some farmers received ₹20 lakh, some ₹10 lakh and others ₹15 lakh directly into their accounts.”
He added, “The payments deposited into our accounts have greatly increased farmers’ enthusiasm. Earlier, payments used to arrive in smaller instalments over time. Now farmers have received their dues directly in their accounts, which has encouraged many of us to move beyond wheat and paddy and expand sugarcane cultivation.”
Bhagwant Mann Govt’s Timely Payments Have Brought Relief & Encouraged More Farmers to Join Sugarcane Cultivation: Lakhbir Singh
Lakhbir Singh of village Alowal, who has been associated with the mill since its inception, said, “Ever since CM Bhagwant Singh Mann came to power, payments have improved considerably. The decision to release the entire payment has brought immense happiness to farmers associated with the Batala mill. Landowners received their dues and are extremely satisfied.”
He added, “If sugarcane payments continue to be made in this manner, farmers will be highly motivated to cultivate more sugarcane and remain associated with the mills. The mill has brought tremendous relief and strengthened the confidence of farmers.”
Appreciating the contribution of the mill staff, Lakhbir Singh said, “The officers and employees of the mill have worked with great dedication and helped make it one of the best-performing mills. Their efforts have played a major role in achieving these results.”
Praising the Chief Minister’s initiative, he added, “CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has provided tremendous relief to farmers by ensuring that payments reach them directly and on time. This has strengthened farmers’ trust and encouraged them to continue cultivating sugarcane.”
