Continuing the tradition to give highest price to Sugarcane cultivators in the country Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced to increase sugarcane price of Rs 416 per quintal for the upcoming crushing season, reaffirming his government’s firm commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers across the state.
Interacting with the media persons after inaugurating the New Sugar Mill and Co-Generation Plant at Dinanagar, the Chief Minister said that Punjab has become the first state in the country to fix such a high price for sugarcane, setting a benchmark at the national level. He said that Punjab will be giving the highest rate of sugarcane across the country thereby immensely benefitting its farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state has always led the country in maximum sugarcane price adding that today this tradition has been continued.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that this pro-farmer move will greatly benefit cultivators, especially those in the border districts where sugarcane is a key crop. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that sugarcane serves as an ideal alternative crop that can further strengthen the state’s crop diversification efforts. He urged the Union Government to recognize and promote sugarcane as a viable substitute for water-intensive crops.
Responding to media queries, the Chief Minister informed that he had dedicated the new Cooperative Sugar Mill at Gurdaspur, marking a landmark achievement in the state’s cooperative and agro-industrial sectors. He said that established in 1980 with an initial crushing capacity of 1,250 TCD and enhanced to 2,000 TCD in 1987, the mill has served as a vital support system for sugarcane growers for over four decades. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that with the region now producing nearly 80 lakh quintals of sugarcane, against the mill’s earlier capacity to crush only 25 lakh quintals per season, the Punjab Government undertook a major modernization project to address this gap.
The Chief Minister said that the new mill has an expanded crushing capacity of 5,000 TCD, ensuring timely and efficient processing of the area’s abundant sugarcane. He said that the new sugar complex will enhance processing capacity, boost farmer income, ensure efficient sugarcane utilization, improve sugar quality and reduce transportation burdens. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that it will also create a sustainable revenue source through power export besides direct and indirect employment to thousands in the region.
The Chief Minister said that this marks a significant step toward strengthening Punjab’s cooperative sector, advancing rural industry, and reinforcing the state government’s commitment to farmer prosperity and clean energy production. He said that a state-of-the-art Sulphurless Refined Sugar Plant has also been installed, capable of producing premium-grade sugar. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that another key highlight is the commissioning of a 28.5 MW Co-Generation Power Plant, designed to export 20 MW of surplus power to PSPCL.
The Chief Minister said that this power export is projected to generate approximately Rs 20 crore in annual revenue during each crushing season, significantly strengthening the mill’s financial stability. He envisioned that the expansion will directly benefit sugarcane growers across the region adding that the number of farmers supplying cane to the mill is expected to rise from 2,850 growers to nearly 7,025 growers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this will drastically reduce dependency on distant private mills and save farmers substantial transportation time and cost.
Responding to local demands, the Chief Minister announced that the long-pending demand for a Medical College in the area would soon be fulfilled, as the state government is making steady progress towards establishing Punjab as an educational hub in the medical field. He further revealed that the government has initiated the process to set up a Government College for Girls at Tarn Taran to empower young women with quality higher education opportunities. Additionally, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that work is underway to construct a new Over Bridge on the railway line at Jandiala Guru to improve connectivity and ease traffic flow.
Taking a dig at BJP leader Ashwani Sharma, the Chief Minister asked him to first ensure that Punjab receives Rs 1,600 crore announced by the Prime Minister as ‘Token Relief’ during the recent floods. He said that BJP leaders should prioritize securing Punjab’s due share and legitimate rights from the Centre instead of engaging in political blame games. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically stated that as the custodian of the State’s rights, he will not tolerate any attempt to alter the status of Chandigarh or Punjab University.
The Chief Minister said that the process to appoint new doctors is in its final stages and they will soon be posted in border areas to strengthen healthcare services. He assured that the law and order situation in Gurdaspur district remains under control and that strict action will be taken against any activities that threaten peace and harmony. Highlighting the state government’s welfare initiatives, Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned that Punjab is providing free electricity to domestic consumers adding that 90% of households the state are getting free power these days.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is all set to launch Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna under which Rs 10 lakh insurance cover will be ensured soon for citizens. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction has successfully closed 17 toll plazas across the state to reduce the burden on commuters. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that elaborate arrangements were made for procurement in mandis thereby ensuring a smooth and hassle free paddy procurement season for farmers this year.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also launched the consumer brand Fateh Sugar, unveiling one kg packs of Refined Sugar, Caster Sugar, and Icing Sugar, along with 5 gram sachets. He said that manufactured at the Batala Cooperative Sugar Mill, these sulphur-free products are expected to generate additional revenue and provide consumers with high-quality, premium sugar options.
On the ocassion Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Chairman Sugarfed Navdeep Singh Jeeda were present.
