DEHRADUN: In a day of direct engagement in Dehradun, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met a delegation of sugarcane farmers from Haridwar and discussed several issues affecting the upcoming crushing season and local agricultural infrastructure. The meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s residence where the farmers presented a memorandum and sought timely decisions on sugarcane pricing and related matters.
Our correspondent reports that the farmers arrived under the leadership of MLA Adesh Chauhan and former cabinet minister Swami Yatishwaranand. The delegation included cultivators from several regions of Haridwar district. The farmers requested the Chief Minister to declare the State Advised Price for the 2025 to 2026 crushing season at the earliest. They said that early declaration helps them plan cultivation, manage labour and prepare for transportation to the mills. They also spoke about increasing input costs and the need for a supportive pricing structure.
The farmers raised several regional concerns that have been pending for some time. They asked for the construction of a protective embankment from Raiesi to Balawali bridge. They said that this embankment would protect farmlands from seasonal water flow and reduce soil erosion in low lying areas. The delegation also reiterated the demand to establish a sugar mill in the Iqbalpur, Jhabreda and Bhagwanpur belt. They said that a mill in this belt would reduce transportation time, improve timely payments and support a large farming community that depends on sugarcane as a primary crop.
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They further requested the construction of an irrigation canal in the Iqbalpur and Jhabreda region. They said that improved irrigation support would raise productivity and help farmers manage frequent dry periods that affect the crop. The delegation also highlighted the pending dues of farmers linked to the Doiwala mill. They asked the Chief Minister to direct the authorities to release the outstanding amount so that growers can manage their household expenses and prepare for the next cultivation cycle.
During the meeting the farmers presented fresh sugarcane sticks to the Chief Minister. They said that sharing sugarcane with guests is a sign of respect within the farming community. The Chief Minister accepted the sugarcane and invited the farmers to sit in the lawn with him. The meeting then continued outdoors in the winter sun. The Chief Minister tasted the sugarcane while listening to the concerns in detail. He said that the government values the contribution of farmers and will ensure timely decisions that protect their interests.
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Minister assured the delegation that he would review every request carefully. He said that the government will take a positive view on sugarcane pricing and examine the requirements for new infrastructure projects. He added that farmers remain at the centre of rural development and that the state will continue to improve facilities that support cultivation, storage and transportation.
The Chief Minister said that sugarcane cultivation occupies a significant place in the agricultural economy of Haridwar district. He said that the state aims to increase productivity through better irrigation networks, reliable power supply and improved market access. He added that the government has been working to resolve payment delays by coordinating with mill managements and relevant departments. He said that transparent systems will ensure that dues are paid on time.
Officials present at the meeting said that the departments concerned will prepare detailed notes on each demand. They added that technical assessments will be conducted for the embankment between Raiesi and Balawali. They also said that the proposal for a sugar mill in the Iqbalpur and Jhabreda area will be examined based on land availability, expected output and operational feasibility. They said that several irrigation projects are already under review and that new proposals can be incorporated into the ongoing planning process.
The meeting was also attended by MLA Pradeep Batra, District Panchayat Chairperson Kiran Chaudhary and former MLA Sanjay Gupta. They said that issues raised by farmers must be addressed without delay and that coordinated action among departments is essential for long term solutions. They added that the participation of farmers in such discussions ensures that decisions remain grounded in local needs.
The Chief Minister said that agriculture forms the backbone of rural Uttarakhand and that the government will continue to support farmers through policy, infrastructure and financial measures. He said that direct interaction helps the government understand real challenges and identify practical solutions. He thanked the farmers for visiting and said that the administration will maintain regular communication with them.
Darpita covers business, industry, startups, and economic developments with a focus on Uttarakhand’s emerging markets. She writes on MSME growth, taxation, government policies, and the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Known for simplifying complex financial topics, she aims to make business news accessible and relevant to local readers.
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