Haryana : Naraingarh Sugar Mills struggles as farmers divert cane to other districts
Recurring payment delays from Naraingarh Sugar Mills have led farmers to divert sugarcane to other mills. The mill has cleared Rs 32 crore for this season but still owes payments after December 10. Farmer leaders blame poor financial management, urging authorities to ensure timely payments to secure adequate crushing stocks and prevent further diversion of produce.
Faced with recurring delays in payments from Naraingarh Sugar Mills, sugarcane farmers in the region are diverting their produce to mills in Yamunanagar, Shahabad and Karnal. The issue, which has persisted for years, has raised concerns among farmers about financial stability and timely clearance of dues.
Key statistics Target: 45 lakh quintals of sugarcane to be crushed Achieved: Over 21 lakh quintals crushed this season so far Dues cleared: Rs 32 crore for this season, pending payments after December 10 Last season’s dues: Over Rs 22 crore cleared in December 2024
While the mill authorities have urged farmers to deliver maximum sugarcane to maintain adequate crushing stocks, farmer leaders blame poor financial management and delayed payments for the diversion of produce. “The farmers have apprehension that payment may get stuck because the financial condition of the mills is not very good. In such a situation, the mills may not get adequate stocks. We appeal to the farmers not to divert the sugarcane so that adequate stocks are available for crushing,” said Rajiv Sharma, spokesperson for Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) and a sugarcane farmer from Naraingarh.
The Naraingarh Sugar Mills, a private unit under Haryana Government supervision since 2019, has struggled with delayed payments. Last season’s dues of over Rs 22 crore were cleared only in December 2024. Despite some progress, farmers remain wary. “Farmers who need immediate cash are diverting their produce to other mills. The mills cleared dues of Rs 32 crore this season but payments are running late again. The government and mill authorities must understand that farmers need money for labour charges and other expenses. If payments are not timely, the mills will not get adequate stock,” said Sanyukt Ganna Kisan Samiti president Singara Singh.
Reports indicate that the mill has crushed sugarcane worth Rs 84 crore this season, with payments cleared up to December 10. However, the mill still needs significant cane supplies to meet its target of crushing 45 lakh quintals. “We have heard reports from field staff that farmers are diverting their sugarcane to other mills, especially in Yamunanagar. We appeal to farmers to deliver their produce here as it affects the crushing season. Payments for the previous season and up to December 10 have been cleared. Efforts are ongoing to ensure dues are paid on time and to avoid carrying them forward to the next season,” said VK Singh, Unit Head of Naraingarh Sugar Mills. Naraingarh SDM Shashvat Sangwan, who also serves as the mill’s CEO, emphasised efforts to retain farmer confidence.
“Field officers are in touch with farmers to encourage them to deliver maximum stocks. The mill is being run transparently, but sugar prices and market conditions are beyond our control. We are doing our best to ensure timely payments,” he said. Farmers demand immediate action and reliable payment systems to secure their livelihoods and ensure a smooth crushing season.
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Source : The Tribune
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