Patna: The Bihar government has given a big relief to sugarcane farmers by paying them their pending money. On Friday, Sugarcane Industry Minister Krishnanandan Paswan started the payment process for farmers linked to Riga sugar mill. He handed over cheques to 26 farmers and said the rest will get their money directly in their bank accounts soon. The minister told farmers that the government is working to increase their income and will solve their problems quickly.
The minister also asked farmers to grow more sugarcane in the coming crushing season. He announced that a one-day farmers’ meeting will soon be held in Sheohar district to inform farmers about government schemes like Mukhyamantri Ganna Vikas Yojana and Krishi Mechanisation Yojana. These schemes will help farmers grow more sugarcane and earn better.
Member of Parliament Lovely Anand was also present at the event. She said this payment has brought smiles back to the worried faces of sugarcane farmers. She added that once the Riga sugar mill starts working at full capacity, farmers will benefit even more.
Officials said that under the Chief Minister Sugarcane Development Scheme, Rs 49 crore has been set aside for 2025-26, almost double compared to last year. The land limit for each farmer has been reduced from 2.5 acres to 1 acre so that more farmers can get help. Farmers are also getting Rs 10 per quintal extra for the crushing season 2024-25. The government has also announced a 50% subsidy to set up jaggery units, which will help farmers start small industries and earn more in future.
