Mahottari, July 7: Sugarcane farmers in Mahottari have received more than Rs 1.76 billion in long-overdue payments for crops supplied to two sugar mills, providing relief to hundreds of growers awaiting settlement.

According to the District Administration Office, the payments were made for sugarcane delivered during the current fiscal year (2082/83) to Everest Sugar and Chemical Industries in Gaushala Municipality-1 and Siddhibinayak Sugar and Chemical Industries in Gaushala Municipality-12.

Farmers supplied around 2.8 million quintals of sugarcane to the two mills, and all dues have been cleared based on the quantity delivered, said Chief Administrative Officer Kameshwor Yadav.

While payments from the sugar mills have been settled, the government subsidy for sugarcane farmers is still pending. The District Payment Committee has requested the Office of the Financial Comptroller to release the outstanding Rs 207 million in grants.

The committee, chaired by the Chief District Officer, expressed confidence that the remaining government subsidy will also be disbursed within the current fiscal year.