Punjab: BJP's Chugh slams Mann govt for 'neglecting' sugarcane farmers

Chandigarh: BJP MP Tarun Chugh on Tuesday accused the Mann-led Punjab government of neglecting sugarcane farmers, alleging that the AAP dispensation failed to announce the State Advised Price (SAP) for the 2026-27 season as the crushing season approaches.

The silence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the state government on the issue directly affecting farmers is deeply concerning, Chugh said in a statement.

He said the Mann government had assured farmers that Punjab would offer the highest sugarcane price in the country.

However, Haryana has already announced its new price, while Punjab's farmers are still waiting for the announcement from their government, Chugh said.

Punjab's previous SAP stood at Rs 416 per quintal, said the BJP leader.

Why is the government delaying the announcement of new price when the crushing season is about to begin, he asked.

Chugh said that approximately Rs 7 crore in payments from the previous crushing season is still pending.

"Additionally, nearly Rs 27.74 crore in historical dues associated with the Phagwara sugar mill continues to trouble farmers. The government must also clarify how much of the Rs 68.50 per quintal subsidy announced in January 2026 has actually been disbursed and how much remains unpaid," he asked.

Chugh said that farmers' warning to block road and rail traffic in Jalandhar from November 20 reflects the seriousness of the situation.

"Why are farmers being forced to threaten road and railway blockades to demand their legitimate dues? Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann must break his silence, engage with farmers' organisations immediately and resolve the issue," he said.

Chugh demanded that the Punjab government immediately announce SAP for the 2026-27 season, make the status of all pending payments public and ensure timely payments to sugarcane farmers.

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