CM Dhami receives grand welcome in Haridwar after record sugarcane price hike

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami received a grand and emotional welcome from farmers in Haridwar after the Uttarakhand government announced a record increase in the sugarcane support price. The state government recently raised the price to ₹405 per quintal, the highest ever offered in Uttarakhand. This decision has brought a sense of relief and hope to thousands of sugarcane growers across the state, many of whom have been struggling with delayed payments and financial pressure due to the poor functioning of certain sugar mills.

On Sunday, the Chief Minister arrived at the Gurukul Kangri helipad, where a large number of farmers had gathered since morning to greet him. The atmosphere was festive, colourful, and full of gratitude. Farmers welcomed CM Dhami with flower garlands, a shower of petals, and sugarcane sticks, symbolising their appreciation for the government’s decision. Many farmers also addressed him as “Kisan Putra,” meaning “son of the farmer,” a title that reflected their trust in his leadership and commitment to rural development.

For the farming community, the revised price has been extremely significant. Sugarcane farming is one of the main sources of income for many families in Haridwar, Laksar, Sitarganj, and other regions. A higher support price means better returns and improved financial stability. The farmers expressed that the increase would help them recover from previous losses, cover cultivation expenses, and secure a better future for their households.

While interacting with the farmers, CM Dhami thanked them for the warm welcome and assured them that his government would continue to stand with the farming community. He emphasised that the welfare of farmers was one of the top priorities of the state government and that no effort would be spared to safeguard their interests. The Chief Minister said that timely payments were essential for farmers’ financial health and made it clear that any delay or misconduct by sugar mills would be taken seriously. He also promised strict monitoring of mills to ensure that the increased support price reaches every grower without obstacles.

The Chief Minister noted that the state government was aware of the losses and disruption caused by the closure of the Iqbalpur and Sitarganj sugar mills, which had affected farmers in those regions. He assured the gathering that the government was actively working to resolve the issues linked to the shutdowns. While he did not provide specific timelines, he indicated that long-term solutions were being explored to reduce the burden on farmers and restore smooth operations in the sugarcane sector.

During the event, CM Dhami also made an important infrastructure announcement: the Gangadaspur–Laksar road will soon be elevated. This project aims to reduce travel problems for farmers, improve connectivity to markets, and ensure safer movement during the monsoon season. Better roads, he said, would help farmers transport sugarcane and other produce more efficiently, reducing spoilage and saving time.

The farmers welcomed this announcement with enthusiasm, seeing it as another step toward improving rural infrastructure and supporting the agricultural economy. Many of them said that proper road connectivity was essential for their daily activities and that the decision reflected the government’s understanding of ground realities.

Public representatives join celebrations as CM highlights commitment to farmers

Along with the farmers, several prominent public representatives and officials were present during the welcome ceremony. These included Swami Yatishwaranand, Madan Kaushik, Adesh Chauhan, Pradeep Batra, Anita Aggarwal, and senior district administration officials. Their presence showed the importance of the occasion and the widespread support for the government’s decision.

Leaders from different regions expressed their appreciation for the Chief Minister’s swift action in raising the support price. They said the increase would help boost farmers’ confidence and strengthen the agricultural sector of Uttarakhand. Many local representatives shared that the decision was long awaited and would go a long way in addressing farmers’ concerns.

During his speech, CM Dhami highlighted that the government’s responsibility was not just to announce higher prices but also to ensure that payments reached farmers on time. He explained that the state was working on creating a more transparent and accountable system for sugar mills. This would include stricter supervision, shorter processing periods, and better coordination between mills and government departments.

The Chief Minister also spoke about broader initiatives aimed at improving the standard of living for farmers. These included efforts to modernise agricultural practices, expand irrigation networks, provide better seeds, and offer training in new technologies. He said the government wanted to build a system where farmers could earn more by adopting improved methods and gaining access to modern resources.

Farmers present at the event said that the Chief Minister’s words had given them stronger confidence in the future. Many shared that the increased sugarcane support price would help them clear debts, handle rising cultivation costs, and support their children’s education. They also expressed hope that the government would continue improving farming conditions across the state.

By the end of the programme, the energy and excitement among the gathering remained high. The farmers kept cheering for the Chief Minister as he interacted with them and assured them that Uttarakhand would continue prioritising their welfare. The event in Haridwar clearly showed the strong bond between the government and the farming community and highlighted the importance of policies that support the backbone of the state’s rural economy.