-Inaugurates Modern Sugar Mill & Co-Generation Plant in Dinanagar and Launches ‘Fateh’ Sulphurless Sugar
Dinanagar, November 26
Reaffirming Punjab’s unwavering commitment to its farmers, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced an increase in the state advisory price of sugarcane to ₹416 per quintal for the upcoming crushing season — the highest in the country.
Speaking to the media after inaugurating the state-of-the-art New Cooperative Sugar Mill and 28.5 MW Co-Generation Plant at Dinanagar in Gurdaspur district, the Chief Minister said Punjab continues to lead the nation in ensuring maximum returns to sugarcane growers. “This is not just a price hike; it is a promise kept to our farmers, especially in the border belt where sugarcane is a lifeline and a strategic alternative to water-guzzling crops,” he added.
A Giant Leap for Cooperative Sector & Rural Economy
The Chief Minister dedicated the revamped sugar mill, originally set up in 1980, which has now been transformed with an expanded crushing capacity of 5,000 tonnes of cane per day (TCD) — more than double its previous capacity. The region now produces nearly 80 lakh quintals of sugarcane annually, and the upgraded facility will eliminate delays, reduce transportation costs for farmers, and ensure 100% utilization of the crop.
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Key highlights of the project:
- 5,000 TCD modern sugar mill
- State-of-the-art sulphurless refined sugar plant
- 28.5 MW co-generation power plant (20 MW surplus to be exported to PSPCL, generating ~₹20 crore annual revenue)
- Expected to benefit over 7,000 farmers (up from 2,850 earlier)
- Thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the region
‘Fateh’ – Punjab’s Own Premium Sulphurless Sugar Brand Launched
The Chief Minister also unveiled ‘Fateh’ – the state government’s consumer brand of high-quality, sulphur-free refined sugar produced at the Batala Cooperative Sugar Mills. Available in 1 kg packs of refined, caster, and icing sugar, along with convenient 5-gram sachets, ‘Fateh’ sugar will offer consumers a premium, chemical-free option while creating additional revenue streams for cooperative mills.
Additional Announcements for Border Region
Responding to long-pending local demands, CM Mann announced:
- A new Government Medical College in the area is in the final stages
- Government College for Girls to be established in Tarn Taran
- Construction of a new railway overbridge at Jandiala Guru
- Recruitment of doctors for border areas nearing completion
- Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna with ₹10 lakh health insurance cover to be rolled out soon
The Chief Minister highlighted that 90% of households in Punjab now receive free electricity, 17 toll plazas have been closed permanently, and this year’s paddy procurement was smooth and farmer-friendly.
Taking a dig at the Centre, he urged BJP leaders to first ensure the release of ₹1,600 crore flood relief announced by the Prime Minister, and reiterated that Punjab will never compromise on its rights over Chandigarh and Panjab University.
Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and Sugarfed Chairman Navdeep Singh Jeeda were present on the occasion.
With these initiatives, Punjab once again sets the benchmark for farmer welfare, cooperative revival, crop diversification, and clean energy generation in the country.
