Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday announced that the state government has released ₹679.37 crore towards sugarcane payments for the 2024-25 crushing season.

The payment benefits 18,771 farmers who supplied sugarcane to Punjab’s nine cooperative sugar mills, which collectively crushed 194.66 lakh quintals during the season.

Cheema said that with a payment rate of ₹401 per quintal, the total dues amount to ₹779.86 crore, and the remaining ₹100.49 crore will be released soon after the state receives central assistance. He further noted that more than 87% of total payments have already been disbursed.

Reaffirming the state government’s commitment, Cheema said, “The Punjab government is ensuring timely payments to farmers by prioritizing liquidity and financial stability for sugarcane growers.

The AAP government continues to foster a resilient agricultural economy while upholding the dignity of those who feed the nation.”