The sugar mills of Northern Haryana have set a new benchmark for efficiency and financial accountability by clearing the initial dues of sugarcane growers in record time.
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Fulfilling the 14-Day Promise: Under the State Advised Price (SAP) guidelines, mills are required to pay farmers within 14 days of the sugarcane being weighed at the mill gate. Today’s disbursement confirms that both the cooperative mill in Shahabad and the private Saraswati Sugar Mill have adhered to this strict timeline, transferring crores of rupees directly into the bank accounts of thousands of farmers.
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Economic Relief: The early release of funds is crucial for farmers who need capital to manage the ongoing wheat sowing season and other household expenses during the winter. “Usually, we have to wait months for the first payment. Getting it within two weeks of supply is a huge relief,” said a representative of a local Sugarcane Growers’ Association.
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Record Crushing Operations: Officials reported that the crushing operations are in full swing. The Shahabad mill alone has crushed a significant volume of cane since starting its season in mid-November. The Saraswati Sugar Mill, one of the largest in Asia, has also maintained high efficiency despite the foggy weather conditions affecting transport.
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Modernized Payment Systems: The quick processing has been attributed to the upgraded ‘e-Ganna’ portal, which digitizes the weighing, slip generation, and payment authorization processes. This system minimizes manual errors and delays that previously plagued the payment cycle.
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Government Monitoring: The Haryana Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department stated that they are monitoring all 11 cooperative mills in the state to ensure they follow the “Shahabad Model” of timely payments. Mills failing to comply with the 14-day rule may face penalties or be required to pay interest on the delayed amount.
