Cooperative Sector to Play Key Role in Developed India Vision, 150 Sugar Mills to Be Set Up Across Country: Dr Arvind Sharma

Chandigarh, December 16: Haryana’s Minister for Cooperation, Heritage and Tourism, Dr Arvind Sharma, on Tuesday said that the cooperative sector will play a crucial role in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India by 2047. He stated that Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has set a target of establishing 150 new sugar mills across the country, with the process already underway to set up a cooperative sugar mill at Naraingarh in Haryana.

Dr Sharma was speaking after formally inaugurating the 36th crushing season (2025–26) of the Meham Cooperative Sugar Mill. He said Haryana has emerged as a leading state in terms of timely sugarcane payments and farmer facilities compared to other states. He added that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced a sugarcane price of ₹415 per quintal, reflecting the government’s commitment to farmer welfare.

Highlighting central government initiatives, the minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently released an instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme amounting to ₹9.18 crore, reaffirming the Centre’s sensitivity towards farmers’ interests. He said both the Centre and the state governments are working continuously for the welfare of farmers.

Dr Sharma said the cooperative movement will have a significant contribution in transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. He noted that several sugar mills in the state have been expanded and modernised, describing sugar mills as the outcome of farmers’ collective struggle and cooperation. He said the sugar industry would play a vital role in building a self-reliant India.

Addressing farmers present at the event, the minister urged them to increase sugarcane cultivation and associate in larger numbers with sugar mills. He assured that sugarcane payments during the current crushing season would be made on time and said the government is actively addressing issues related to harvesting and procurement.

He further said that apart from sugar production, emphasis is being laid on allied by-products to enhance the income of sugar mills. At the historic Meham sugar mill, old turbines will be replaced and adequate irrigation water will be ensured for sugarcane farmers.

Dr Sharma said the Chief Minister had announced an increase in sugarcane prices even before the start of the crushing season. The government has fixed ₹415 per quintal for early varieties and ₹408 per quintal for medium and late varieties. He added that full payment for the sugarcane supplied during the 2024–25 crushing season has already been cleared.

He said special focus will be placed on improving sugar recovery rates and quality during the current season to strengthen the financial position of the mill. The mill administration has been directed to maintain close coordination with farmers and encourage expansion of sugarcane acreage. At present, around 1,200 farmers are associated with the Meham sugar mill, with 200 new farmers joining this year, leading to an increase in cultivation area.

The minister also highlighted various welfare schemes, stating that under the Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, benefits have been extended to around 7.5 lakh women. Interest on loans taken by farmers from PACS has been waived, compensation has been provided to farmers affected by natural disasters, and relief has been extended under the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana. He said sugarcane growers are receiving continuous support through incentives and timely payments with government assistance.