Chandigarh: Haryana Cooperation and Public Health Engineering Minister Dr. Banwari Lal said that the state government will establish ethanol plants at an investment of Rs 2000 crore in all cooperative sugar mills. This initiative aims to mitigate losses and enhance the economic sustainability of these mills. In addition, it is also proposed to set up compressed biogas plants in cooperative sugar mills.
Dr. Banwari Lal addressing the gathering during the formal inauguration of the 68th crushing session at Rohtak Cooperative Sugar Mill in the village of Bhali Anandpur. Former Minister Sh Manish Grover and the mill's managing director, Maj Gayatri Ahlawat also present on this occasion.
He said that 120 KLPD capacity ethanol plant will be set up in Rohtak Cooperative Sugar Mill, with Meham Cooperative Sugar Mill also being connected to it. Another ethanol plant with a capacity of 68 KLPD has already been established in Shahbad Cooperative Sugar Mill.
During his address, Dr. Banwari Lal expressed appreciation for the farmers and officially inaugurated the Vita booth within the mill premises. He highlighted the state government's effort to increase the crushing capacity of cooperative sugar mills, ensuring that every farmer's sugarcane in the state can be processed locally. The minister commended the efficient token system implemented by the mill, streamlining the process for farmers to quickly weigh their sugarcane.
While addressing the farmers, he emphasized the importance of their cooperation with the mill management to minimize losses, ultimately benefiting the farmers. He underscored the government's commitment to farmer welfare, highlighting the proactive measures taken by Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and State Chief Minister Sh Manohar Lal. The state government, under their visionary leadership, is dedicated to providing the highest prices for sugarcane in the country.
Dr. Banwari Lal shared that the Chief Minister has announced a substantial increase of Rs 14 per quintal in the sugarcane price, bringing it to Rs 386 per quintal for the current year. Looking ahead, there is a planned additional increase of Rs 14 per quintal for the next year, setting the new price at Rs 400 per quintal. He assured the farmers that, in accordance with the Chief Minister's directives, timely payments will be guaranteed.
Encouraging the adoption of the new sugarcane variety CO-15023, recommended by sugarcane experts, Dr. Banwari Lal explained its benefits, including a sugar recovery rate of 12 to 14 percent and early commencement of crushing. The government is actively supporting farmers through subsidies on solar pumps and drip irrigation. He reiterated the government's commitment to farmers welfare, emphasizing the procurement of 14 crops at minimum support prices. Acknowledging the pivotal role of farmers as the backbone of the economy, he affirmed that numerous decisions and welfare schemes have been implemented for their benefit, reflecting the farmer-friendly approach of the government.