A team headed by Dr. S B Barbuddhe, Director of the ICAR-National Meat Research Institute (NMRI), concluded a two-day inspection of the closed Bacon Factory in Ranchi on Friday. The team is set to submit a detailed revival report to the state government soon.
Inspection Findings
Dr. Barbuddhe informed the Times of India, “We will submit our preliminary report in a day or two, and the detailed report with technical specifications will follow in a few days.” He elaborated on the factory’s condition, stating, “The factory requires complete renovation to meet modern-day requirements. Due to lack of proper upkeep over the years, it has suffered significant damage. The flooring needs to be upgraded to align with the latest technology, and all equipment must be replaced. Meat processing and allied activities demand a highly controlled environment.”
Timeline and Revival Plan
When asked about the expected timeline for revival, Dr. Barbuddhe noted that it would depend entirely on the state government’s decisions. The factory, located in the Kanke area, has been closed since the mid-1990s due to operational challenges and the absence of a viable revival proposal.
Historical Significance
During its operational peak, the factory produced ready-to-eat pork items and sausages under the brand name Ranbac, which were in high demand across Bihar, West Bengal, the northeastern states, and even Nepal.
Government Initiative
The Hemant Soren-led state government recently initiated revival plans and engaged ICAR-NMRI as a technical consultant for the project. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in April to formalize this collaboration.
About the Author: ASRP Mukesh, with over 15 years of journalistic experience, covers government, politics, and human interest stories from Jharkhand.
