The historic decision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make full payment for sugarcane gave great relief to the farmers.

Chandigarh: Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab has made major achievements in strengthening the agricultural and cooperative sectors. Under this, for the first time the Punjab government has paid 100 percent of the dues of sugarcane farmers during the harvesting season of 2025-26. Sugar mills across the state have procured a record 167.20 lakh quintals of sugarcane and paid Rs 695.36 crore to farmers to ensure payment of their crop dues.

This achievement reflects Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s continued commitment towards farmer welfare, crop diversification and rural prosperity. By encouraging farmers to break out of the traditional wheat-paddy cycle and adopt sugarcane cultivation, the government has created new opportunities for agricultural development while strengthening the rural economy.

successful effort of hon government  

Sugarcane cultivation and sugar mills have been playing an important role in generating employment opportunities and helping thousands of farmer families. To further encourage agriculture, co-operative sugar mills have taken several farmer-friendly initiatives, including supply of improved seeds, subsidized farm machinery, fertilisers, weedicides and pesticides, soil testing facilities, awareness camps and training programmes. These efforts have contributed greatly in increasing production and strengthening the confidence of farmers in sugarcane cultivation.

The Bhagwant Mann government has also given priority to making timely payments to the farmers. All payments for sugarcane procured during the crushing season of 2025-26 were released, providing huge financial relief to sugarcane growers and further strengthening their confidence in the agricultural policies of the government.

Direct payment of dues by Bhagwant Mann government has restored farmers’ confidence in sugarcane cultivation: Pal Singh  

Sarpanch of Huthian village and farmer Pal Singh associated with Batala Sugar Mill welcomed this decision of the government and said, "I have been cultivating sugarcane for the last 30 years and currently I have sugarcane cultivation in 20 acres. We are associated with Batala Sugar Mill and under the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann government, the mill has ensured that the amount reaches the accounts of the farmers directly. Some farmers have received Rs 20 lakh, some Rs 10 lakh and some Rs 15 lakh directly in their accounts.

he adds, "The payment deposited in our accounts has boosted the enthusiasm of the farmers. Earlier the payment amount used to come in installments over time. Now farmers have received the dues directly into their accounts, which has encouraged many of us to move beyond wheat and paddy and expand sugarcane cultivation."

Timely payment by Bhagwant Mann government gave relief and inspired other farmers to join sugarcane cultivation – Lakhbir Singh  

Lakhbir Singh of village Alowal, associated with the mill since its inception, said, "Ever since Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann came to power, crop payments have improved significantly. There is a wave of happiness among the farmers associated with Batala Mill due to the decision to release full payment. The land owners have received their dues and are extremely satisfied.

he adds, "If the payment for sugarcane continues like this then farmers will be highly motivated to cultivate more and more sugarcane and remain associated with the mills. The mill has given great relief to the farmers and strengthened their confidence."

Appreciating the contribution of the mill staff, Lakhbir Singh said, "The officers and employees of the mill have worked with great dedication and have helped in making it one of the best performing mills. His efforts have played a vital role in achieving these results."

Praising the Chief Minister’s initiative, he further said, "Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has given huge relief to the farmers by ensuring that the payment amount is transferred directly into their bank accounts on time. This increased the confidence of the farmers and encouraged them to continue sugarcane cultivation."