Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurates modern Dinanagar Sugar Mill with 5,000 TCD capacity, launching Fateh Sugar and boosting farmers’ income.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of farmers throughout the state on Wednesday by announcing an increase in sugarcane prices of Rs 416 per quintal for the upcoming crushing season, carrying on the tradition of paying the highest price to sugarcane cultivators in the nation.
The Chief Minister told reporters following the opening of the New Sugar Mill and Co-Generation Plant in Dinanagar said Punjab was the first state in the nation to set such a high price for sugarcane, establishing a standard for the entire country. According to him, Punjab will offer the best price on sugarcane in the nation, which will greatly benefit its farmers. The state has historically set the highest sugarcane price in the nation, according to Bhagwant Singh Mann, who also noted that this custom is still followed today.
The Chief Minister expressed optimism that farmers, particularly those in border districts where sugarcane is a vital crop, would considerably benefit from this pro-farmer action. According to Bhagwant Singh Mann, sugarcane is a perfect substitute crop that can support the state’s efforts to diversify its agricultural production. As a potential replacement for crops that require a lot of water, he encouraged the Union Government to acknowledge and support sugarcane.
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The Chief Minister responded to questions from the media by stating that he had dedicated the new Cooperative Sugar Mill in Gurdaspur, which was a significant accomplishment for the state’s agro-industrial and cooperative sectors. He said that the mill, which was built in 1980 with a crushing capacity of 1,250 TCD at first and increased to 2,000 TCD in 1987, has been an essential support system for sugarcane growers for more than 40 years. According to Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government launched a significant modernization project to close the gap between the region’s current production of about 80 lakh quintals of sugarcane and the mill’s old capacity of crushing only 25 lakh quintals every season.
The Chief Minister claimed that the new mill’s 5,000 TCD enhanced crushing capacity will guarantee prompt and effective processing of the region’s plentiful sugarcane. According to him, the new sugar complex will increase processing capacity, increase farmer income, guarantee effective use of sugarcane, improve sugar quality, and lessen transportation costs. In addition to providing direct and indirect jobs for thousands of people in the area, Bhagwant Singh Mann added that power exporting will generate a steady income stream.
According to the chief minister, this is a big step in the right direction for Punjab’s cooperative sector, rural industries, and the state government’s commitment to sustainable energy generation and farmer prosperity. According to him, a cutting-edge sulfurless refined sugar plant has also been set up and is able to produce premium-grade sugar. Another noteworthy event, according to Bhagwant Singh Mann, is the commissioning of a 28.5 MW cogeneration power plant that will supply PSPCL with 20 MW of excess electricity.
According to the Chief Minister, this power export is expected to bring in about Rs 20 crore annually during each crushing season, greatly bolstering the mill’s financial stability. Sugarcane growers in the region will immediately profit from the development, he said, adding that the number of farmers supplying cane to the mill is anticipated to increase from 2,850 growers to over 7,025 growers. This will significantly lessen reliance on far-off private mills and save farmers a significant amount of time and money on transportation, according to Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The state government is steadily moving toward making Punjab a medical education center, and in response to local demands, the chief minister declared that the long-standing need for a medical college in the region would soon be met. He added that the government has started the process of establishing a Government College for Girls in Tarn Taran in order to provide young women with access to high-quality postsecondary education. In order to enhance connectivity and facilitate traffic flow, Bhagwant Singh Mann added that construction is already underway on a new Over Bridge on the railway line near Jandiala Guru.
The Chief Minister made fun of BJP leader Ashwani Sharma by requesting that he first make sure Punjab gets the Rs 1,600 crore that the Prime Minister had announced as “Token Relief” after the recent floods. He stated that rather of playing political blame games, BJP leaders should put more effort into getting Punjab’s rightful share and rights from the Center. Bhagwant Singh Mann firmly declared that he would not stand for any attempt to change Chandigarh or Punjab University’s standing as the guardian of the State’s rights.
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According to the Chief Minister, the hiring of new physicians is nearing completion, and they will shortly be assigned to border regions to improve medical care. He promised that any actions that jeopardize peace and harmony will be strictly dealt with and that the state of law and order in the Gurdaspur district would continue to be under control. Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized the welfare programs of the state government by stating that 90% of families in the state currently receive free electricity, with Punjab offering free electricity to domestic consumers.
According to the Chief Minister, the state government is prepared to introduce the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, which will provide individuals with insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh. He said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction has successfully closed 17 toll plazas across the state to reduce the burden on commuters. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that elaborate arrangements were made for procurement in mandis thereby ensuring a smooth and hassle free paddy procurement season for farmers this year.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also launched the consumer brand Fateh Sugar, unveiling one kg packs of Refined Sugar, Caster Sugar, and Icing Sugar, along with 5 gram sachets. He said that manufactured at the Batala Cooperative Sugar Mill, these sulphur-free products are expected to generate additional revenue and provide consumers with high-quality, premium sugar options.
On the ocassion Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Chairman Sugarfed Navdeep Singh Jeeda were present.