CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Strict Monitoring of Sugar Mills, Prioritises Timely Payments to Farmers
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday issued firm directives aimed at ensuring timely and full payments to sugarcane farmers, emphasizing that sugar mills must be held accountable based on their track record in fulfilling their financial obligations to cultivators.
Stressing the need for farmer-centric governance, the Chief Minister called for a more streamlined, transparent, and responsive sugarcane payment system during a high-level review meeting of the Sugar Industry and Sugarcane Development Department held in Lucknow.
Payment Delays to Attract Penalties
In a stern message to sugar mill operators, the Chief Minister warned of strict punitive action against mills found guilty of delaying payments to sugarcane growers.
He stated that no leniency would be shown to those undermining the state’s commitment to its farmers, who form the backbone of Uttar Pradesh’s agrarian economy.
Command Area Allocation Linked to Payment History
One of the significant policy shifts discussed during the meeting was the proposal to allocate command areas — zones where sugarcane is procured by mills — based on each mill’s payment efficiency and history of clearing farmer dues on time.
The Chief Minister made it clear that priority would be given to those mills that have consistently honored payment schedules, thereby reinforcing accountability and creating an incentive for improved financial discipline.
Detailed Review of Sector Performance
A comprehensive departmental presentation was given, covering key aspects of the sugar industry’s current status and future outlook. Areas reviewed included:
- Sugarcane payment disbursement
- Productivity metrics
- Infrastructure development
- Employment statistics
- Strategic planning for long-term sustainability
Historic Payment Milestone Achieved
According to data presented during the session, the Yogi-led government has made unprecedented strides in clearing sugarcane payments. Since taking office, a record ₹2.85 lakh crore has been paid to farmers, significantly surpassing the ₹2.13 lakh crore disbursed between 1995 and 2017—a span covering multiple governments.
This represents an increase of ₹72,474 crore, highlighting the present administration’s prioritization of farmer welfare.
For the 2024-25 crushing season, sugarcane payments totaling ₹34,466.22 crore were due, out of which ₹28,873.55 crore (approximately 83.8%) had already been disbursed as of May 2, reflecting continued progress toward prompt settlements.
Enhancing Productivity and Farmer Engagement
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also emphasized the importance of boosting sugarcane productivity, calling for coordinated efforts involving:
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agricultural Science Centers)
- Sugar mill management teams
- Sugarcane development committees
He encouraged frequent field visits by representatives from sugar mills and government departments, urging them to engage closely with farmers to address issues on the ground and foster trust. He also recommended that cabinet ministers actively participate in farmer outreach programs and seminars, promoting awareness and direct communication between policymakers and cultivators.
Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms
The Chief Minister stressed the need to further empower sugarcane committees, making them more efficient and responsive. He called for an increase in the working days of sugar mills from the current average of 142 days to 155 days, to improve crushing efficiency and ensure better returns for both farmers and mill operators.
Additionally, he ordered a thorough evaluation of cooperative and federation-run sugar mills, asking officials to review:
- Production capacity
- Operational viability
- Qualifications and adequacy of staff and technical personnel
Rapid Expansion in Sugarcane Cultivation and Yield
Highlighting significant growth in the sector, officials informed the Chief Minister that the total area under sugarcane cultivation has expanded substantially, from 20.54 lakh hectares in 2016-17 to an estimated 29.51 lakh hectares in 2024-25.
Alongside this increase in acreage, productivity has also improved, rising from 72.38 tonnes per hectare to 84.10 tonnes per hectare over the same period.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s meeting underscored a holistic vision for strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s sugarcane economy, with a strong emphasis on timely farmer payments, increased productivity, transparent governance, and robust institutional support.
His directives reflect a policy shift toward performance-linked accountability, aiming to make the sugar industry more farmer-friendly, productive, and sustainable in the long run.
