Sugarcane Crushing Season Begins in Uttar Pradesh: Strict Orders for Timely Payments to Farmers

Key Highlights

• 2025–26 sugarcane crushing season begins in 21 mills across Uttar Pradesh.

• Government orders mills to pay farmers within seven days of purchase.

• Crushing started in Saharanpur, Meerut, Moradabad, and Lucknow regions.

• Farmers to benefit from timely payments and on-time wheat sowing.

• Strict action to be taken against mills delaying payments or violating rules.

The new sugarcane crushing season 2025–26 has officially started in Uttar Pradesh, bringing good news for sugarcane farmers. The state government has issued strict orders to sugar mills to ensure timely payments for sugarcane, aiming to protect farmers’ interests and improve their financial stability.

Crushing Starts in 21 Sugar Mills Across the State

According to the Sugar Industry and Sugarcane Development Department, 21 sugar mills have started the crushing process in the state. These include one cooperative sector mill and 20 private sector mills. Out of 53 sugar mills that have issued indents for sugarcane purchase, the remaining mills will also begin operations soon.

The department has directed all mills to pay sugarcane prices to farmers within the given time limit. This move ensures that farmers receive their due payments without unnecessary delays.

Where Has Sugarcane Crushing Begun?

The Cane Commissioner shared that crushing has started in four major regions of Uttar Pradesh:

• Saharanpur region: 5 out of 19 mills operational

• Meerut region: 8 out of 16 mills operational

• Moradabad region: 2 out of 23 mills are operational

• Lucknow region: 6 out of 19 mills operational

In addition, 32 more sugar mills have completed their preparations and issued indents for sugarcane purchases. The department expects all remaining mills to become fully operational in the coming days.

Government Orders Timely Payment to Farmers

The Sugarcane Department has issued strict guidelines to all mills for making timely payments to farmers. In previous seasons, farmers often faced delays in receiving their payments. To address this, mills have now been directed to transfer the payment directly into farmers’ bank accounts within seven days of purchasing sugarcane.

Officials in every district have also been given the responsibility to monitor the payment process closely. The government aims to make sure that every farmer gets paid as per rules without any delay.

Double Benefits for Farmers

The timely start of the crushing season will offer two major benefits to farmers:

1. Quick Payment: Farmers will receive the sugarcane price on time, helping them manage their daily expenses and farm operations.

2. Timely Wheat Sowing: With fields cleared on time, farmers can start Rabi crop sowing, especially wheat, without delay.

Agriculture experts say that when crushing begins late, it delays field clearing and affects wheat production. This year, timely crushing is expected to help increase Rabi crop productivity across the state.

Strict Action for Delayed Payments

To ensure transparency, all mills must now record the process of sugarcane weighing, purchasing, payments, and reporting digitally. The government has warned that strict action will be taken against mills found delaying farmer payments.

Farmers have also been advised to keep all receipts related to cane weighing and payments, so the department can easily verify details if any issue arises.

Department to Review Crushing Progress

The Cane Commissioner announced that the department will soon review the progress of sugarcane crushing across all mills. Reports will track each mill’s daily crushing capacity, payment ratio, and sugarcane availability.

The government’s main goal this year is to ensure smooth operations, timely payments, and a successful crushing season that benefits both farmers and the sugar industry.

Farmers Welcome the Government’s Strict Guidelines

Sugarcane farmers across Uttar Pradesh have expressed happiness with the timely start of the crushing season and the government’s firm stance on payments. They believe this year’s system will bring transparency, financial relief, and better productivity during the upcoming Rabi season.

Also Read: Hi-Tech Farming Training Scheme: A Golden Chance for Young Farmers to Learn Modern Agriculture

CMV360 Says

The 2025–26 sugarcane crushing season has started positively in Uttar Pradesh, with 21 mills already in operation. The government’s focus on strict payment timelines ensures farmers receive their dues quickly. By maintaining transparency and timely operations, the state aims to support farmers livelihoods, boost agricultural productivity, and strengthen the sugar industry’s overall performance. This move marks a hopeful start for both farmers and mill operators.