Lucknow, Nov 21 (KNN) Out of 121 sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh 85 have been made operational this year, and the rest will start functioning by November 25, said Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh.

In Pipraich and Munderwa sugar mills, cane crushing will start in February 2019, he said.

The CM directed the officials to initiate communication with private sugarcane mills and expedite the payment of dues to the farmers.

Adityanath said, "The farmers will not be exploited, and the state government will encourage the sugar industry and provide every possible help."

In the 2017-18 crushing season, a payment of Rs 28,633 crore has been made. The rest of Rs 6,830 crore will be made soon, he mentioned.

A state government spokesperson said the UP chief minister made the remarks while chairing a review meeting pertaining to sugarcane purchase late yesterday night.