Crushing likely to begin from Nov 15, but cane farmers await Rs 22-cr dues

The sugarcane crushing season is set to begin soon, but a large number of farmers are yet to receive payment of over Rs 22 crore for the previous season's produce delivered at Naraingarh Sugar Mills here.

Though it is a private mill, it is being run under the supervision of the state government since 2019.

The farmers claim that Rs 22.74 crore are pending. As per norms, the payment should be cleared within 14 days of the purchase.

Before the Assembly election, the Chief Minister had expressed concerns over the inconvenience caused to farmers due to delayed payments by the mill every year, and promised to set up a cooperative sugar mills if voted to power.

Sanyukt Ganna Kisan Samiti president Singara Singh said, “The sugarcane crushing season is about to begin but the farmers are yet to get Rs 22.74 crore dues. The issue of about Rs 40 crore crop loan with interest is also pending. We request the government to ensure that the dues are cleared in time and the payment of the upcoming season are also cleared as per the norms. We are forced to hold repeated agitations to get the payment.”

Vinod Rana, president of the Ganna Kisan Sangharsh Samiti, said, “Despite repeated memoranda, meetings, and assurances, the dues remain uncleared and the next season is set to begin from November 15. The government should understand that the farmers also need money for the next crop and have to take care of their families. We have also raised the matter with the Chief Minister, and since he belongs to Naraingarh, we are hopeful that he will find a permanent solution to this problem.”

Meanwhile, Naraingarh SDM Shashvat Sangwan, who also holds the charge of CEO of the sugar mills, stated, “Starting the crushing season timely and efficiently, and clearing the dues are our priorities. About three months ago, we had started the process to ensure a smooth season and all efforts are being made to reduce the input cost. We are also holding discussions with sugarcane farmers' groups. The operations will tentatively start from November 15.”

“Our field teams are also continuously holding meetings with farmers to motivate them to unload maximum sugarcane in the mills instead of going to other mills because Naraingarh Sugar Mills has good recovery. With higher crushing, the mills will be able to produce more stocks and clear the dues,” he added.