Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the highest sugarcane price-paying state in the country, while also maintaining its top position in sugarcane production. The state government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has strengthened the sugarcane sector through record payments, price hikes, and digital reforms.
Since 2017, the state has disbursed a total of ₹3,22,722 crore directly into farmers’ bank accounts, eliminating middlemen and ensuring transparency through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
Record ₹3.22 Lakh Crore Payment to Sugarcane Farmers Since 2017
The Uttar Pradesh government has stated that timely payments to sugarcane farmers have been a top priority.
Key highlights include:
- ₹3,22,722 crore paid to farmers since 2017
- 90% payment completion for the 2025–26 crushing season
- ₹30,831.81 crore already paid in the current season
Officials said pending dues from a few sugar mills will also be cleared soon.
₹30 Per Quintal Sugarcane Price Hike in 2025–26 Season
For the crushing season 2025–26, the state announced a historic ₹30 per quintal increase in sugarcane prices.
New rates:
- ₹400 per quintal for early varieties
- ₹390 per quintal for general varieties
This increase has resulted in an additional ₹3,000 crore benefit for farmers across the state.
UP Surpasses Maharashtra and Karnataka in Sugar Recovery Rate
Despite having fewer sugar mills than Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh has outperformed other major sugar-producing states.
- Uttar Pradesh sugar recovery rate: 10.21%
- Maharashtra: 9.49%
- Karnataka: 8.19%
The state operates 121 sugar mills, including government, cooperative, and private units, and has recorded strong production efficiency.
Smart Cane Farmer System Transforms Sugar Sector
The government’s Smart Cane Farmer System has digitized the entire sugarcane management process, including:
- Online cane area registration
- Supply scheduling
- Slip generation
- Mobile-based notifications
Farmers now receive cane slips directly on their mobile phones, improving transparency and efficiency.
Strong Boost to 48 Lakh Farmer Families
The sugarcane sector supports around 48 lakh farming families in Uttar Pradesh.
The government says regular payments and price revisions have:
- Strengthened rural income
- Improved financial stability
- Reduced dependency on intermediaries
- Boosted rural economic growth
Sugarcane Sector Key Driver of UP’s Economic Growth
Officials stated that the sugarcane and sugar industry has become a backbone of the rural economy and a key contributor to Uttar Pradesh’s ambition of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
The government continues to focus on farmer welfare, timely payments, and modernization of the sugar sector to ensure long-term sustainability.
