Punjab Disburses Rs 679.37 Crore in Sugarcane Payments for 2024–25 Crushing Season: Harpal Singh Cheema

Says, Punjab offered highest in country sugarcane purchase rate of Rs 401 per quintal for 2024–25 crushing season

Finance Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Farmers’ Financial Security

Chandigarh, September 11-In a decisive move towards safeguarding the financial well-being of Punjab’s farming community, Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday announced that the state government, which offered the highest in the country sugarcane purchase rate of Rs 401 per quintal, has released Rs 679.37 crore in sugarcane payments for the 2024–25 crushing season.

In a press communiqué issued here, Finance Minister Cheema said that the disbursed amount benefits 18,771 farmers across the state and corresponds to sugarcane supplied to Punjab’s nine cooperative sugar mills, which collectively crushed 194.66 lakh quintals during the season. “With a payment rate of Rs 401 per quintal, the total dues to farmers amount to Rs 779.86 crore. The remaining Rs 100.49 crore will be released shortly, pending the receipt of central assistance”, said Cheema.

The Finance Minister further disclosed that more than 87 percent of payments have been made to date. Specifically, the dues of nine cooperative sugar mills have been cleared, with the purchase dates for Ajnala up to March 10, Batala up to March 18, Bhogpur up to March 27, Budhewal up to March 13, Fazilka up to March 1, Gurdaspur up to March 25, Morinda up to March 30, Nawanshahr up to March 31 and Nakodar up to February 22.

"The Punjab Government is committed to ensuring timely payments to farmers," said Finance Minister Cheema while adding, "By prioritising liquidity and financial stability for sugarcane growers, the Aam Admi Party (AAP) led Punjab Government continues to foster a resilient agricultural economy and uphold the dignity of those who feed the nation."

========================================

RECIPE TO BOOST CULINARY LEGACY: PUNJAB EXPLORES GI TAG FOR AMRITSARI KULCHA

• CM Mann led Govt fortifying entire value chain, from farm to factory to fork, says Rakhee Gupta Bhandari

Chandigarh/Amritsar, September 11: In a significant step towards preserving Punjab's culinary identity and traditions, Punjab Food Processing department is exploring the possibilities of securing a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag for Amritsari Kulcha, a beloved dish originated from Amritsar. Notably, a GI tag is a label given to products that have a unique quality, reputation, or characteristic due to their specific geographical origin, such as a region, town or country.

This was revealed by Principal Secretary Food Processing department, Punjab Ms. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, while chairing a meeting at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar to discuss initiatives of food processing sector. The meeting brought together faculty members from the Department of Food Science and Technology, representatives from Industry associations and processing units, such as Murabba, Pickle, Basmati Rice, Honey and Jaggery.

Highlighting the benefits of securing GI tag, Ms. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari said that it will not only enhance the pious city’s culinary legacy but also unlock new opportunities for branding, exports, market expansion and ultimately would lead to creating new job opportunities.

She emphasised the significance of the food agro-processing sector, referring to it as a "Sunshine Industry" due to its immense potential for growth and employment generation. She highlighted the need for building strong backward and forward linkages for Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure the sector's sustainable development.

The Principal Secretary reaffirmed the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab government's dedication to bolstering Punjab's agro-food processing ecosystem. She also commended Guru Nanak Dev University for its proactive efforts in bridging the academia-industry gap. The Food Processing department under the able leadership of Cabinet Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, is crafting policies to fortify the entire value chain, from farm to factory to fork, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.

The meeting also addressed key industry demands and potential solutions for the growth of Punjab's food processing sector. Key discussion points included establishing Food Parks and Technology Exchange platforms to foster innovation and infrastructure development, besides ensuring the availability of skilled manpower and modern food testing labs to maintain quality and safety standards. The discussions focused on developing processing facilities for various products such as fruits, vegetables, papad, wadian, honey, spices and jaggery. Proposals for cold storage facilities with APEDA support and enhanced cargo handling of perishables at Amritsar Airport were also explored. Additionally, promoting honey exports through Punjab Agro was highlighted as a potential growth opportunity for the sector.

Prominent amongst those attended the meeting included Mr. Ashok Sethi, Mr. Rakesh Thukral, Mr. Surinder Lakhesar, Dr. D.S. Sogi (Professor, Department of Food Science & Technology, GNDU) and industry stakeholders.

====================================

Punjab Government Launches Crop Residue Management Loan Scheme through Cooperative Banks

Chandigarh, September 11-In a decisive move to tackle the issue of stubble burning and promote sustainable farming, the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched the amended Crop Residue Management (CRM) Loan Scheme through cooperative banks across the state.

The scheme, designed to support farmers and cooperative societies in purchasing crop residue management machinery, is expected to play a key role in reducing seasonal air pollution while simultaneously creating new opportunities for rural communities. The initiative has been approved under the guidance of Financial Commissioner Cooperation Sumer Singh Gurjar and Registrar of Cooperative Societies Girish Dayalan ensuring wide participation from stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

The Key Features of the Scheme will be that Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (MPCS) will be eligible for 80% subsidy on machinery, up to a maximum of Rs 24 lakh.

The margin money requirement is fixed at 10% of the loan amount. The individual farmers be eligible for 50% subsidy on machinery and the money requirement is fixed at 25% of the loan amount.

This landmark decision will not only facilitate easy access to modern equipment but also ensures effective management of crop residue, a critical factor contributing to air pollution in North India. The Punjab Government is also encouraging the use of crop residue in bio-energy plants, thereby promoting cleaner energy generation and boosting the state’s green economy.

Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, farmer welfare, and strengthening the cooperative movement in Punjab. He emphasized that the scheme will empower farmers while addressing the environmental challenges posed by stubble burning.

==================================

PUNJAB NCC CADETS CREATE HISTORY, WIN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TWICE IN A ROW

* EM Harjot Singh Bains congratulates cadets, hails them as benchmark of excellence

Chandigarh, September 11:In a landmark achievement that has brought immense pride to the state, the cadets of the Punjab Directorate NCC have scripted history by winning the prestigious All India Thal Sainik Camp (AITSC) Senior Division Championship for two consecutive years, 2024 and 2025.

Congratulating the cadets for this unprecedented feat, Punjab's Education Minister, S. Harjot Singh Bains said, "This back-to-back victory is a testament to the unyielding spirit, grit and exceptional discipline of our NCC cadets. They (PHHP&C) have triumphed over 16 directorates, including established powerhouses like Maharashtra and Karnataka, to set a new national record. They are true trailblazers."

The Education Minister highlighted that this victory is not merely about competitions but reflects a deeper commitment to the nation. These cadets have also proven their mettle in real-world crises, from providing invaluable service during Operation Sindoor to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with civil authorities during the recent devastating floods in Punjab, in rescue and relief operations, S. Bains added.

He stated that the dual role of the cadets—as champions on the field and saviours in society—embodies the core ethos of the NCC and the Directorate’s motto "Discipline and Service Above All".

Their success positions the Punjab Directorate as the national torchbearer of military discipline and leadership. These victories are not a culmination but the beginning of an era where Punjab will stand as the benchmark of excellence for the entire country to aspire towards, the Education Minister stated.

S. Bains extended his best wishes to the cadets for their future endeavours and commended the efforts of their instructors and the entire NCC fraternity for this extraordinary accomplishment.