Sitamarhi: Bihar Sugarcane Industry Minister Krishnanandan Paswan has launched the payment process for sugarcane farmers, beginning with those linked to the Riga sugar mill. Payments were made to 26 farmers through cheques and bank transfers, marking the official start of clearing outstanding dues.
The government has also announced subsidy to set up jaggery units, which will help farmers start small industries and earn more in future.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing farmers’ income and called for greater efforts to promote sugarcane cultivation in the upcoming crushing seasons. He announced that a one-day farmer workshop will soon be held in Sheohar district to raise awareness about key government schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Ganna Vikas Yojana and the Krishi Yantrikaran Yojana, aimed at training and supporting farmers.
Speaking at the event, Sugarcane Industry Department Secretary B. Kartikeya Dhanji stated that a budget allocation of ₹49 crore has been made under the Mukhyamantri Ganna Vikas Yojana for the 2025–26. This is nearly double the ₹26.60 crore allocated last year, reflecting the state government’s renewed focus on the growth and prosperity of sugarcane farmers.
The launch event was attended by District Magistrate Richa Pandey, Cane Commissioner Anil Kumar Jha, Riga Sugar Company Ltd General Manager P. Devarajulu, and Joint Cane Commissioner Jai Prakash Narayan Singh.
