Ambedkarnagar: The sugar mill in Ambedkarnagar district has undershot its cane-crushing target for the 2024 season. The Akbarpur Sugar Mill, had set a target of crushing 114 lakh quintals of sugarcane but could only process 92 lakh quintals, reported Amar Ujala.

This is the first time in recent years that the mill has not met its target. Despite the shortfall, the mill administration assured that cane growers who sold their produce by March 22 have already been paid. Payments for the remaining farmers are expected to be settled soon, with the necessary procedures underway.

The crushing season commenced on November 17, 2023, and concluded late Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Sugarcane procurement began on November 15 at 37 purchasing centres set up across the district. Mill gate purchases started on November 16, followed by a special prayer ceremony marking the official launch of the crushing season on November 17.

According to mill officials, around 42,000 farmers cultivated sugarcane on an area of 25,000 hectares.