"Punjab Government is committed for developing farming into a profitable venture. Punjab government has made all payments to the sugarcane growers for the year 2014-15 have been cleared and in future also, these payments would be made on time." This was said by Sugarfed Chairman Mr Sukhbir Singh Wahla and Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board chairman Mr Santa Singh Umedpuri while addressing the farmers during the General Assembly of Budhewal Cooperative Sugar Mill at village Budhewal of the district today.They said that the Punjab government is committed for safeguarding the rights of farmers and that is why, Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal has announced a special package of Rs 600 crore for cotton farmers whose crop got damaged in white fly attack. They said that this amount would be distributed amongst farmers soon.They said that keeping in mind the financial state of sugarcane growers in Punjab, the state government has issued strict instructions for clearing all payments to them for the year 2014-15 season and also appreciated the efforts of Budhewal Cooperative Sugar Mill for the same.
While addressing the gathering, Budhewal Cooperative Sugar Mill chairman Mr Harinder Singh Lakhowal said that this particular mill is giving more benefits to sugarcane farmers as compared to other mills. He said that as this mill was running into losses, they were facing some problem in clearing the payments. He said that for 2015-16 season, a target of crushing 17 lakh quintals of sugarcane, 9.00 percent sugar recovery and sugar production of 1.53 lakh quintals has been fixed.During the General Assembly, the agenda was discussed and was approved unanimously. Prominent among those who addressed the gathering included General Manager Mr SP Singh, former MLA Mr Jagjiwan Singh Khirnia, Verka Milk Plant chairman Mr Ajmer Singh Bhagpur, besides others. Zila Parishad chairman Mr Bhag Singh Mangarh, DSU Chairman Mr Dharamjit Singh Gill, Baba Jagroop Singh, besides several others were also present on the occasion.