UP Cabinet Greenlights New Sugar Plant in Muzaffarnagar to Enhance Farmer Prosperity
The Uttar Pradesh state cabinet, in a significant move on Thursday, granted approval for the establishment of a new sugar plant in Morna, located within the Muzaffarnagar district. This decision marks a pivotal step towards revitalizing the state's sugar sector, particularly in western Uttar Pradesh, where sugarcane cultivation forms the cornerstone of the rural economy.
Enhanced Crushing Capacity and Modern Technology
The new mill will be set up at the existing Ganga Kisan Cooperative Sugar Mill site, with plans to substantially increase its crushing capacity. In the initial phase, the capacity will be boosted from 2500 tonnes per day (TCD) to 3500 TCD. Subsequently, this capacity is slated for further expansion, reaching up to 5000 TCD in later stages. This upgrade is designed to address and mitigate technical losses that have plagued the facility due to outdated infrastructure and obsolete technology.
By incorporating modern technology, the proposed sugar mill aims to operate more efficiently and profitably. The cabinet emphasized that this modernization will not only reduce operational inefficiencies but also ensure the mill's sustainability in a competitive market. Historically, cooperative sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh have faced challenges in competing with private mills, often grappling with inefficiencies and delays in payments to farmers.
Benefits for Sugarcane Farmers
The cabinet's statement highlighted that this initiative will directly benefit sugarcane farmers in the Morna region, who are served by the Ganga Kisan Cooperative Sugar Mill. Key advantages include:
- Doubling Farmers' Income: The decision is expected to contribute to the goal of doubling cane farmers' income by improving mill efficiency and profitability.
- Timely Payments: It will help ensure prompt payment for farmers' produce, addressing a longstanding issue in the cooperative sector.
- Reduced Losses: By phasing out dilapidated equipment, the new plant will minimize technical losses, leading to better resource utilization.
This development represents a crucial intervention in Uttar Pradesh's agricultural landscape, aiming to strengthen the sugar industry and support the livelihoods of countless farmers dependent on sugarcane cultivation.
