Farmers held a meeting on Friday at Kisan Bhavan under the banner of the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), in which they warned of taking control of the mill's sugar warehouses if payments are not made by the deadline. They said the mill would not be allowed to move even a single bag of sugar until all dues are cleared.

The meeting, chaired by BKS state vice-president Ratan Singh Devdhar, discussed the growing backlog of payments. Farmers said the government had earlier assured that cane payments would be cleared every month, prompting them to supply their produce to the mill. However, with crushing operations now halted, dues have mounted significantly.

Farmers said they have held several rounds of talks with the mill management, but no solution has emerged so far. They alleged that officials have repeatedly cited discussions with the government without giving a clear timeline for payments.

After the meeting, farmers staged a protest march from the Jagadhri grain market gate to the mini secretariat via National Highway 73, raising slogans against the delay. They later submitted a memorandum to SDM Premchand, addressed to the Deputy Commissioner.

Growers said the delay in payments has left them in financial distress, affecting their ability to meet daily expenses and prepare for the upcoming sowing of crops such as paddy, maize and jowar. They warned that they are ready to intensify their agitation if the dues are not cleared.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has also issued a one-week ultimatum, warning of an indefinite protest at the mill gate if payments are not made. BKU leaders said demonstrations could also be held outside the residences of local representatives if the situation does not improve.