Train sugarcane farmers through master trainers in every district: Chief Minister

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the Sugar Industry and Cane Development Department on Wednesday. Assessing the department’s progress, he emphasized that farmers are the government’s priority and directed officials to work diligently in their interest. He instructed that sugarcane farmers be trained through master trainers in every district, with the involvement of local Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister was informed that during the 2024-25 crushing season, over Rs 23,173 crore has been paid to sugarcane farmers, covering 82 percent of total dues. Over the past eight years, Rs 2,80,223 crore has been paid to 46.50 lakh farmers—Rs 66,703 crore more than the total payment made between 1995 and March 2017 (22 years). The Chief Minister directed that sugar mills prepare seeds of new sugarcane varieties through the tissue culture method to expand coverage and boost productivity.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to fix the accountability of management in cooperative sugar mills and make continuous efforts to turn them profitable. He directed that the buildings of Sugarcane Development Cooperative Societies be renovated and that progressive sugarcane farmers be honored in related programs. Additionally, he emphasized the repair and strengthening of schools already operating under sugarcane societies.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need to improve basic facilities for sugarcane farmers in sugar mills. He directed that the responsibility for this be assigned to the respective Sugarcane Development Cooperative Societies. These committees should also set up canteens, drinking water facilities, and affordable eateries for farmers. He stated that any work completed by sugarcane development societies should be inaugurated by public representatives. Additionally, he stressed the importance of effective measures to control pests and diseases in sugarcane crops to enhance productivity and production.

The Chief Minister directed that the sugarcane research complexes in Shahjahanpur, Sevarhi, and Muzaffarnagar be strengthened. He emphasized ensuring the continuous and effective operation of these centers by appointing technical staff and scientists. He also instructed that only officers with a clean record be deployed in sugar mills under the Cooperative Sugar Mill Association and Uttar Pradesh State Sugar Corporation to ensure their sustained profitability. Additionally, he called for the development of sugar mills into integrated sugar complexes. Cabinet Minister for Cane Development and Sugar Mills, Choudhary Laxmi Narayan, along with senior department officials, was present in the meeting.