UP Clears 90% of Sugarcane Dues, Sets Historical Record

The Uttar Pradesh government has cleared 90% of outstanding sugarcane dues, equaling Rs 32,357 crore out of Rs 35,909 crore. UP ranks first in sugarcane production and price payment, with 82 sugar mills paying 100% dues last season. The current BJP government paid Rs 2.53 lakh crore over seven years.

About 90 per cent of the outstanding sugarcane dues of farmers in UP has been cleared, Sugarcane Development Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary announced on Monday.

Responding to a question from SP member Ashutosh Singh in the state legislative council, Chaudhary detailed the current payment status, confirming the government has purchased sugarcane worth Rs 35,909 crore, of which Rs 32,357 crore (90.11 per cent) has been paid.

The minister assured that remaining dues will be settled as the next crushing season starts. During the 2022-23 season, apart from Rs 213 crore due on the Shamli mill, 99.99 per cent of dues were paid. UP leads in sugarcane production and payment efficiency, with 82 mills achieving complete payment last season. The BJP government paid Rs 11,000 crore from the previous SP administration's dues and has paid Rs 2.53 lakh crore in seven years. Sugarcane cultivation has expanded from 20 lakh hectares in 2007-2017 to 29 lakh hectares now.