Bihar Government Intensifies Efforts to Revive Sasamusa Sugar Mill in Gopalganj
The Bihar state government has significantly ramped up its initiatives to breathe new life into the long-defunct Sasamusa sugar mill located in Gopalganj district. In a decisive move, the responsibility for restarting and operating this crucial industrial unit has been entrusted to the Karnataka-based MRN Group, marking a pivotal step in the state's broader sugar industry revival strategy.
On-Site Inspection and Strategic Discussions
To propel the revival process forward, Additional Chief Secretary of the Sugar Cane Industries Department, K Senthil Kumar, alongside MRN Group founder and chairman Murugesh R Nirani, conducted a comprehensive on-site inspection of the mill premises on Friday. During this critical visit, they meticulously reviewed the current condition of the facility, assessed the available land, examined the existing machinery, and engaged in detailed discussions concerning the operational and legal challenges associated with the closed plant.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Senthil Kumar emphasized that the government, acting under the direct instructions of the Chief Minister, is pursuing a dual-pronged approach. This strategy encompasses not only the reopening of closed sugar mills but also the creation of entirely new capacity across various districts in Bihar. He elaborated that the comprehensive plan involves restarting defunct units and establishing an ambitious target of 25 new sugar mills in different regions of the state.
Revival Under Saat Nischay-3 Programme
Senthil Kumar further clarified that this significant initiative is being implemented under the state's "Saat Nischay-3" programme. Under this framework, Bihar has committed to expanding the footprint of its sugar industry beyond mere revival projects. The primary objective of the recent inspection was to gain a clear understanding of the mill's present condition and its specific requirements. This assessment will enable the government and the selected operator, MRN Group, to collaboratively formulate informed and effective next steps for the revival process.
In a move addressing a long-standing regional concern, Senthil Kumar indicated that the government is poised to take a positive decision regarding the pending dues owed to sugarcane farmers. This commitment aims to resolve a critical issue that has affected the agricultural community.
MRN Group's Vision for Sustainable Operations
Murugesh R Nirani of MRN Group acknowledged the substantial support being extended by the Bihar government for restarting the Sasamusa mill. He stated that his visit was primarily aimed at assessing the feasibility of the project, including a thorough evaluation of the technical and commercial conditions necessary to ensure sustainable operations.
"Running only a conventional sugar mill may not be sufficient for long-term viability," Nirani remarked. He revealed that the group is actively considering an integrated approach that involves the production of bio-products alongside sugar. This diversification strategy is designed to improve the overall economic viability of the mill and, crucially, to ensure greater benefits for local farmers by creating diversified demand for sugarcane and related agricultural inputs.
Broader Context of Bihar's Sugar Industry Revival
The inspection was attended by Joint Sugarcane Commissioner Jai Prakash Narayan Singh, along with other officials and local farmers, highlighting the collaborative nature of the effort.
This development is part of a larger, concerted push by the Bihar government to revitalize its sugar sector. Earlier, on February 23, the state's cooperative department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd, based in New Delhi, to revive two other closed mills located at Sakri in Madhubani and Raiyam in Darbhanga districts.
Furthermore, in a landmark decision on November 25, the state cabinet formally approved the revival of nine closed sugar mills and the establishment of 25 new mills across Bihar. This series of actions underscores a comprehensive and determined policy to rejuvenate the sugar industry, boost rural economies, and support the agricultural community through strategic partnerships and innovative operational models.
