The revival of the Nayagarh Sugar Complex Limited (NSCL) is still in the doldrums as thousands of farmers are hoping for the mill to become operational, reports Odisha TV.
The mill has stopped operations since 2015 and the farmers are expecting the government to take steps to revive the sugar mill. They are now forced to migrate to other states in search of work.
The mill was capable of crushing 1.2 lakh tonnes of cane and has played a significant role in the agricultural development of Nayagarh and adjoining districts.
The mill set up in 1980 was sold to Trailokya Mishra, owner of Naya Sugar Complex Ltd for Rs 5 crore by the state government. The company later allegedly cheated to the tune of Rs 20 crore and fled. The farmers have not received their dues since then nor did the staff receive their salaries.
“The sugar mill was the backbone of the region but the government sold it to the private player at a cheap rate and since then, farmers are battling for livelihood,” said a social activist from the region.
