Punjab clears 100% sugarcane dues for 2025-26 season, farmers hail timely payments
Punjab cleared 100% sugarcane farmer dues for the 2025-26 season, paying ₹695.36 crore for a record 167.20 lakh quintals of cane. The government highlighted timely direct payments, farmer-support initiatives and crop diversification efforts, boosting grower confidence and encouraging expanded sugarcane cultivation.
Chandigarh: Punjab has achieved a major milestone in the agriculture sector by clearing all outstanding payments to sugarcane farmers for the 2025-26 crushing season, with the state government stating that 100 per cent of growers’ dues have been paid.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, sugar mills across the state purchased a record 167.20 lakh quintals of sugarcane during the season and disbursed ₹695.36 crore to farmers, ensuring that all payments were settled, Prabhat Times reported.
The state government said the achievement reflects its focus on farmer welfare, crop diversification and rural development. By encouraging farmers to move beyond the traditional wheat-paddy cycle and adopt sugarcane cultivation, the government aims to create new opportunities for agricultural growth while strengthening the rural economy.
Sugarcane cultivation and the sugar industry continue to play an important role in generating employment and supporting thousands of farming families across the state.
To promote sugarcane farming, cooperative sugar mills have introduced several farmer-focused initiatives, including the supply of improved seed varieties, subsidised agricultural machinery, fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, along with soil testing facilities, awareness programmes and training camps. Officials said these measures have helped improve productivity and increase farmer confidence in sugarcane cultivation.
The government highlighted that timely payment to growers remained a key priority during the season. The clearance of all dues has provided financial relief to farmers and strengthened confidence in the state’s agricultural policies.
Farmers associated with sugar mills welcomed the move, saying direct payments into bank accounts have improved liquidity and encouraged greater interest in sugarcane cultivation.
Pal Singh, Sarpanch of Huthian village and a farmer linked to Batala Sugar Mill, said he has been cultivating sugarcane for nearly three decades and currently grows the crop on 20 acres.
He said the government ensured that payments were transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts, with some growers receiving ₹10 lakh, ₹15 lakh and even ₹20 lakh based on their cane supply.
According to Singh, receiving the full payment directly has boosted farmer confidence and enthusiasm. He noted that payments were previously received in instalments over time, whereas the current system has enabled farmers to receive their dues promptly, encouraging many to consider expanding sugarcane cultivation.
Another farmer, Lakhbir Singh of Alowal village, who has been associated with the Batala mill since its inception, said payment practices have improved significantly in recent years.
He said the decision to clear all dues has generated a positive response among farmers connected to the mill, with landowners expressing satisfaction after receiving their pending payments.
Lakhbir Singh added that continued timely payments would encourage more farmers to cultivate sugarcane and remain associated with sugar mills. He also credited the mill’s management and staff for their efforts, describing Batala as one of the better-performing mills in the state.
He further praised the chief minister’s initiative to ensure that payments are transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts, saying it has strengthened trust among growers and provided an incentive to continue sugarcane cultivation.
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Source : ChiniMandi
