Kawardha, India: Sugarcane farmers associated with the Bhoraamdev Cooperative Sugar Factory in Kawardha received a major financial boost after the mill transferred ₹69.3 million (₹6.93 crore) directly into farmers’ bank accounts, bringing much-needed relief to growers who had been awaiting long-pending payments.
With this latest installment, the total amount disbursed to farmers has reached ₹467.7 million (₹46.77 crore). Officials said the payment was made possible through the special efforts of Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, providing significant support to the region’s sugarcane-dependent farming community.
Farmers had been urging authorities for months to clear outstanding dues for their harvested crop. Given that Kawardha is Deputy Chief Minister Sharma’s home district, expectations were high that government intervention would help resolve the issue—expectations that have now been met.
Timely Payments Restore Farmer Confidence
Under the supervision of District Collector and authorized factory officer Gopal Verma, the payment process is continuing in a regular and time-bound manner. Officials said the consistent release of payments has helped restore farmers’ confidence in the cooperative system.
News of the fund transfer sparked celebrations among sugarcane growers, many of whom said the payment would help them manage household expenses, repay loans, and prepare for the next agricultural cycle.
Crushing Operations Running Smoothly
The Bhoraamdev Sugar Factory management said that steady payments have also ensured uninterrupted mill operations. During the ongoing crushing season, the factory has processed 233,455 metric tons of sugarcane, producing 274,322 quintals of sugar so far.
Officials credited the achievement to farmer cooperation, effective administrative guidance, and improved operational efficiency. “We are progressing in line with our production targets,” the management said.
Appeal for Increased Cane Supply
The factory has urged both shareholder and non-member sugarcane growers to supply cane in accordance with survey estimates. Management emphasized that higher cane availability would extend the crushing season, boost production, and help ensure timely payments to farmers in the future.
Factory officials also noted that for member farmers, supplying sugarcane to the cooperative mill is mandatory—not as a punitive measure, but to safeguard the long-term interests of both the institution and the farming community.
Additional Benefits for Farmers
Beyond the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), the cooperative provides farmers with recovery-linked incentives, government bonuses, subsidized sugar, improved seed varieties, training programs, and access to facilities such as Balaram Sadan.
Calling for collective participation, the management said sustained cooperation between farmers and the mill is key to securing a stable and prosperous future for both the cooperative and the region’s agricultural economy.