Placing farmers at the centre of its policy agenda, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday approved a ₹68.50 per quintal direct subsidy on sugarcane, providing major relief to growers and reinforcing Punjab’s position as the state offering the highest sugarcane price in the country.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by the Chief Minister. With this subsidy, Punjab’s sugarcane farmers will continue to receive the State Agreed Price (SAP) of ₹416 per quintal, which is ₹15 higher than last year and the highest nationwide.
The approved subsidy amount will be paid directly to farmers on behalf of private sugar mills for the 2025-26 crushing season, ensuring timely payments and income security. Disclosing the Cabinet decisions, the Chief Minister’s office said the move reflects the Mann government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests and strengthening the rural economy.
Alongside farmer-focused measures, the Cabinet approved several other key decisions. To promote public health and wellness, it sanctioned the creation of 1,000 additional yoga trainer posts under the “CM di Yogshala” initiative with a budget provision of ₹35 crore for the financial year 2026–27.
In the healthcare sector, the Cabinet approved the transfer of four major health institutions, including the Civil Hospital in Badal (Muktsar), the Civil Hospital in Khadur Sahib (Tarn Taran), the community health centre in Jalalabad, and the tertiary care centre at Fazilka, to Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot. The move is aimed at improving medical services and patient care.
The Cabinet also cleared multiple decisions related to urban governance, land utilisation, service rules and development authorities to accelerate infrastructure projects and ensure transparency in administration.
In a forward-looking step for agriculture, the Cabinet approved collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to promote crop diversification and strengthen the horticulture sector through advanced technology, cold chain infrastructure, water management and skill development.
Also read: Punjab Cabinet green-lights setting-up digital universities
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