Bihar News : The Bihar government is moving ahead with plans to revive the state’s closed sugar mills and give fresh momentum to sugarcane farmers, the rural economy and agro-based industries. Cooperation Minister Ram Kripal Yadav on Tuesday conducted a high-level review of the proposed new cooperative sugar mills at Raiyam in Darbhanga and Sakri in Madhubani and directed officials to complete the work within the निर्धारित timeline.
The review meeting covered the establishment of both proposed sugar mills, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), financial provisions, the farmer membership campaign, the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Indian Potash Limited (IPL), and the next stages of the projects.
New Cooperative Mills on Land of Closed Sugar Factories
The state cabinet has already decided to establish new cooperative sugar mills on the land of the closed sugar mills at Raiyam and Sakri. Approval has been granted for preparation of feasibility reports and Detailed Project Reports for both projects.
Action is being taken through Indian Potash Limited for establishing the new cooperative sugar mills. The formation of primary sugar mill cooperative societies has also been approved.
The proposed projects are not limited to sugar production. They are planned as integrated agro-based industrial models.
MOU and Project Implementation Reviewed
The meeting also reviewed progress on the proposed MOU with IPL. The draft MOU has been prepared and approved by the Cooperation Minister. The approved draft has been sent to IPL for its consent.
The process related to the proposed transfer of the Raiyam and Sakri sugar mill land to IPL on a 30-year lease was also reviewed.
Combined Project Cost of ₹852.43 Crore
The proposed total cost of the two new cooperative sugar mills is approximately ₹852.43 crore. The estimated cost of the Raiyam project is ₹504.67 crore, while the Sakri project is estimated at ₹347.76 crore.
Along with promoting industrial activity, the projects are expected to support sugarcane production, agricultural services, transportation and local employment opportunities.
27,980 Farmers Apply for Cooperative Membership
During the review, Minister Ram Kripal Yadav said active participation of farmers would be the most important foundation for the success of both sugar mill projects. The process of forming primary sugar mill cooperative societies has therefore been started in the command areas of Raiyam and Sakri.
A total of 27,980 online applications have been received for cooperative society membership. Of these, 12,264 applications came from the Raiyam command area and 15,716 from the Sakri command area. The verification of applications is currently underway.
Farmers to Receive Support from Sugarcane to Finance
Primary sugar mill cooperative societies will play an important role in facilitating farmers’ supply of sugarcane to the respective mills. They will also provide services such as improved sugarcane seeds, agricultural inputs, technical assistance, soil testing, training and awareness programmes.
A village-wise assessment of sugarcane cultivation areas and a plan for expanding the area under sugarcane will also be prepared to increase production.
Coordination with cooperative banks will be undertaken to provide institutional credit to farmers. Work will also be carried out to provide agricultural machinery and other facilities through agricultural mechanisation and Custom Hiring Centres.
Cooperation Department Secretary Dharmendra Singh, Registrar of Cooperative Societies Rajnish Kumar Singh, Additional Registrar (Judicial) of Cooperative Societies Vikas Kumar Bariyar and other concerned officials attended the meeting.
