The Punjab Mandi Board chairman, Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, on Wednesday said the Punjab government was contemplating to keep aside special budget for disbursement of payment to sugarcane farmers for their crop. Payment from this budget would be made from next year, he said.
Inaugurating 28th crushing season at Budhewal sugar mill in Ludhiana district, Lakhowal said this mill would crush more than 18 lakh quintal of sugarcane this season.
He added that from the next season, sugarcane growers would not have to wait for their payments because as per the policy of the state government, which is under consideration, all payments would be made when the crop arrives at respective sugar mills.
Lakhowal said Punjab was emphasising on agriculture diversification in the state and special steps had been taken to educate farmers regarding crops like sugarcane and maize and other than wheat and paddy.
The mandi board chairman appreciated farmers for having shown interest in sugarcane cultivation. He added that all dues and payments to sugarcane peasantry would be delivered soon.
He said the Centre had fixed `210 as sugarcane MSP, while Punjab had decided to give additional amount of `80 per quintal to farmers.
{{/usCountry}}He said the Centre had fixed `210 as sugarcane MSP, while Punjab had decided to give additional amount of `80 per quintal to farmers.
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