Ambala: In partial relief to sugarcane farmers, Naraingarh Sugar Mills Limited has cleared the dues for the previous cane crushing season, but delays in payments for the current season remain a concern.
When the mills started crushing operations on November 15, the pending in the previous season was about Rs 22.74 crore. Payments are released in instalments, and the dues pending till then were cleared on Tuesday. Payments for the current season have also started, but farmers fear it has already been delayed by more than a month, making them fear rising dues by the time the season gets over.
Farmers said that they need timely payments so that they can manage their expenses and labour charges. So far, nearly 14 lakh quintals of sugarcane worth about Rs 54 crore have been crushed, but only Rs 1 crore has been cleared. Though privately owned, Naraingarh Sugar Mills has operated under Haryana Government supervision since 2019.
Rajiv Sharma, a sugarcane farmer and Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni) leader said, “The mills have cleared the previous season’s payments, but delayed payments remain a big issue. I have delivered nearly 1,400 quintals of sugarcane this season but have not received any payment yet. Many farmers are forced to sell their produce to crushers at lower rates to meet their immediate expenses.”
Sanyukt Ganna Kisan Samiti president Singara Singh added, “Farmers often have to wait until the next season to receive payments for the previous season. Authorities need to address this issue and ensure timely payments so farmers can clear their dues and labour costs. A permanent solution is urgently needed.”
