Underscoring that with the latest hike of Rs. 10 in SAP, raising its amount to Rs 401 per quintal for farmers, Punjab is now offering the highest state-agreed price (SAP) to sugarcane cultivators, the Managing Director SUGARFED Dr. Senu Duggal on Wednesday issued necessary directions to all General Managers to ensure a successful crushing season for sugarcane cultivators.
Visiting Nawanshahr Cooperative Sugar Mill earlier in the day with an aim to review preparations for 2024-25 Season regarding plants' preparation as per technical norms, Dr. Senu Duggal said all necessary efforts and steps are in place to ensure a hassle-free and smooth season for all stakeholders, especially our sugarcane cultivators. “During the Season 2024-25, approximately 230 lakh quintals of sugarcane will be crushed by all cooperative societies, and Cooperative Sugarcane Mills Nawanshahr 29.11.2024 and Gurdaspur would be operating from 30.11.2024, with Ajnala starting on 1.12.2024.
Mills at Bhogpur and Buddhewal would be commencing this year’s crushing operations on 2.12.2024, while Morinda and Nakodar would start on 3.12.2024, with Batala on 5.12.2024 and Fazilka schedule for 10.12.2024. Reiterating the commitment of the state government as per directions of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann to ensure gainful and remunerative experience for all farmers, Dr. Duggal also directed all concerned field officials to ensure that farmers are issued slips strictly as per the supply calendar and that slips be delivered to farmers at their homes and on their registered mobile numbers to ensure seamlessness in overall operations.
“A Nodal Officer would be deputed for on the spot and quick redressal of any issue being faced by the farmers during the Season, Dr. Duggal further shared. All information about the name, designation and contact number of the Nodal Officer and the slips to be issued each day would be publicised on the notice boards daily, the MD Sugarfed added. Dr. Duggal has also directed that all necessary facilities for farmers bringing sugarcane to mills be ensured including restrooms, potable drinking water, canteen for tea and food.
Farmers should not be made to wait any longer than necessary and thorough cohesion must be ensured in overall operations, Dr. Duggal reiterated. Dr. Duggal also urged sugarcane farmers to comply with all instructions and help the department in serving them in an apt manner in line with the department’s aim to ensure overall well-being of all our farmers thereby enhancing their income and overall experience.