Punjab has raised the State Agreed Price for sugarcane to ₹416 per quintal for the upcoming season. This makes it the highest rate offered to farmers across India. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the decision reflects the government’s firm commitment to farmer welfare. Experts view this move as a major financial boost for growers facing rising input costs. Mann added that the new rate will benefit farmers especially in border districts. The step has been widely welcomed by agricultural groups.
H3 – How Will The New Mill Transform Processing?
The newly inaugurated cooperative sugar mill at Dinanagar now holds a crushing capacity of 5,000 TCD. Originally launched in 1980 with 1,250 TCD and later upgraded to 2,000 TCD, it has undergone a major expansion. Around 80 lakh quintals of sugarcane can now be processed more efficiently. The upgrade is expected to increase farmer income and enhance sugar quality. Transportation pressure will be reduced due to local handling capacity. Thousands of people are likely to gain indirect and direct employment.
H3 – What Is The Benefit Of The Co Gen Power Plant?
A 28.5 MW co-generation power facility has been installed within the mill compound. Officials expect nearly 20 MW to be exported to PSPCL during each crushing season. The plant is projected to generate nearly ₹20 crore annual revenue for the cooperative. This additional income stream will support long term operational stability. Mann said sustainable electricity production aligns with government goals. The initiative is also seen as a step toward rural energy resilience.
H3 – How Will Farmers Gain From Expansion?
The number of farmers supplying sugarcane to the mill is projected to rise from 2,850 to nearly 7,025. This increase will reduce dependency on private mills located at longer distances. Growers will save on transport time and fuel expenditure. Improved processing capacity ensures quicker crop turnover for farmers. The sulphurless refined sugar plant will enable production of premium-grade sugar. Mann said the initiative will create higher value returns and promote sustainable cultivation.
H3 – What Additional Projects Were Announced?
Responding to public demands, Mann announced plans for a medical college in the region. He confirmed ongoing work toward establishing a Government College for Girls in Tarn Taran. Construction of a new overbridge at Jandiala Guru railway line has also been approved to improve accessibility. These infrastructure commitments reflect an integrated development approach. Local residents have welcomed the announcements positively. Officials stated work would begin soon following regulatory clearance.
H3 – What Welfare Measures Is The State Launching?
The Chief Minister declared that the government is ready to implement the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. This scheme will offer health insurance cover of ₹10 lakh to citizens. Mann shared that Punjab has successfully closed 17 toll plazas to ease commuter burden. He further mentioned that 90 percent of domestic households receive free electricity. These welfare steps signify the administration’s focus on affordability. Mann noted these reforms are designed to support everyday citizens.
H3 – How Is Punjab Promoting Quality Sugar Production?
Earlier, Mann launched ‘Fateh Sugar’ branding from the Batala Cooperative Mill. The brand will offer sulphurless refined sugar in one-kilogram packages and five-gram sachets. A state-of-the-art processing system at Dinanagar will produce high-grade sugar. This initiative is expected to expand market reach and generate better returns. Officials say it marks a step toward export-level quality manufacturing. Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchakk and Sugarfed Chairman Navdeep Singh Jeeda attended the launch.
