Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab hikes sugarcane price to Rs 416 per quintal; CM Mann inaugurates new Sugar Mill and Co-Generation plant
Rohit Gupta/ Babushahi Bureau
Gurdaspur (Punjab), November 26, 2025 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced a hike in the state’s sugarcane price to ₹416 per quintal for the upcoming crushing season, reaffirming Punjab’s position as the highest sugarcane–paying state in the country.
The announcement was made after the Chief Minister inaugurated the New Sugar Mill and Co-Generation Plant at Dinanagar, a major boost to Punjab’s cooperative and agro-industrial sectors. Speaking to the media, CM Mann said that Punjab continues its long-standing tradition of offering farmers the best sugarcane price nationwide, ensuring substantial financial benefit to growers, especially those in border districts.
He emphasized that sugarcane is a strong alternative crop that supports the state’s crop diversification agenda and urged the Union Government to recognize sugarcane as a viable substitute for water-intensive crops.
CM Mann highlighted that the Cooperative Sugar Mill at Gurdaspur—established in 1980 and previously upgraded in 1987—had long supported area farmers but had become insufficient compared to the region's growing production.
With nearly 80 lakh quintals of sugarcane produced against the mill’s earlier processing limit of 25 lakh quintals, capacity expansion was essential.
The newly modernized mill now has a crushing capacity of 5,000 TCD, ensuring timely processing and improved outcomes for farmers. The upgraded sugar complex will increase processing capacity, enhance sugar quality, reduce transportation costs, generate employment, and create sustainable revenue through power generation.
A 28.5 MW Co-Generation Power Plant has also been commissioned, which will export 20 MW of power to PSPCL. This is expected to generate ₹20 crore annually, strengthening the mill’s financial structure.
The number of farmers supplying cane to the mill is expected to rise from 2,850 to nearly 7,025, significantly reducing the dependence on private mills.
New Projects and Development Announcements
Responding to public demands, CM Mann announced:
- A Medical College for the region
- A Government College for Girls in Tarn Taran
- A new Railway Overbridge at Jandiala Guru to ease traffic congestion
The Chief Minister also addressed state welfare initiatives, including free domestic electricity—benefiting 90% of households—closure of 17 toll plazas, and smooth paddy procurement this season. He confirmed that the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, offering ₹10 lakh insurance cover, will be launched soon.
Targeting BJP leader Ashwani Sharma, CM Mann urged the BJP to ensure Punjab receives the ₹1,600 crore flood-relief fund announced by the Prime Minister. He reiterated that Punjab’s rights over Chandigarh and Punjab University will not be compromised.
Earlier, CM Mann launched the Fateh Sugar consumer brand, introducing sulphur-free refined sugar, caster sugar, icing sugar, and sachet packs produced at the Batala Cooperative Sugar Mill.
Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak, Sugarfed Chairman Navdeep Singh Jeeda, and Shamsher Singh were also present on the occasion.