In a step to support Punjab’s sugarcane farmers, state Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday said that the Punjab has released Rs. 679.37 crore in payments for the 2024–25 crushing season. The payout corresponds to sugarcane procured at Rs. 401 per quintal, the highest purchase rate offered by any state in the country.
In a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Cheema said that the disbursed amount benefits 18,771 farmers across the state and corresponds to sugarcane supplied to Punjab’s nine cooperative sugar mills, which collectively crushed 194.66 lakh quintals during the season.
“With the rate set at Rs. 401 per quintal, total dues amount to Rs. 779.86 crore. Of this, Rs. 679.37 crore has already been disbursed. The remaining around Rs. 100 crore will be released soon, subject to the receipt of central assistance,” Cheema stated.
He further noted that over 87% of payments have been cleared to date.
Specifically, the dues of nine cooperative sugar mills have been cleared, with the purchase dates for Ajnala up to March 10, Batala up to March 18, Bhogpur up to March 27, Budhewal up to March 13, Fazilka up to March 1, Gurdaspur up to March 25, Morinda up to March 30, Nawanshahr up to March 31, and Nakodar up to February 22.
“The Punjab Government remains committed to ensuring timely payments to our farmers,” Cheema said, adding that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led administration continues to prioritise liquidity and financial stability for sugarcane growers.
“By putting farmers first, we are not only strengthening Punjab’s agricultural economy but also honouring those who feed the nation,” he concluded.
