UP CM Yogi Adityanath Orders Strict Action Against Sugar Hoarding Ahead Of New Crushing Season

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assessed sugar supplies in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and instructed authorities to enforce strict measures against hoarding and black market activities, especially prior to the new sugarcane crushing season commencing on October 15. As of now, the state possesses 179.38 lakh quintals of sugar with sugar mills holding 179.38 lakh quintals, cooperative sugar mills managing 23.60 lakh quintals, corporation-run mills retaining 5.28 lakh quintals, and private sugar mills stockpiling 150.50 lakh quintals.

During the assessment, Yogi emphasized the importance of preventing sugar merchants from retaining stocks for longer than the permitted 30 days, cautioning against any violation of this guideline. The chief minister also vowed punitive action against dealers found storing over 400 tonnes of sugar concurrently. Officials have been directed to continuously monitor stock levels and penalize any attempts at artificially creating a shortage or price manipulation through excessive accumulation.

Strict action under the Essential Services Maintenance Act will be implemented against those breaching the stipulated regulations, as per the directives given during the review. Authorities are intensifying monitoring of sugar availability as the state gears up for the upcoming sugarcane crushing season. Sugar mills are set to commence crushing operations on October 15.

Additionally, the government reviewed the payment of sugarcane dues to farmers, noting that 48 lakh farmers have been compensated with Rs 3,217 crore to date. The chief minister directed officials to ensure that sugar mills continue making punctual payments to farmers and maintain uninterrupted supply of sugar in the market as the new crushing season approaches.