Namakkal: The Salem Cooperative Sugar Mills Limited at Mohanur has set a goal of crushing one lakh tonnes of sugarcane in the current 2024-25 crushing season, announced Rajya Sabha MP K.R.N. Rajeshkumar on Thursday, reported The Hindu.
Speaking at the inauguration of crushing operations, held in the presence of District Collector S. Uma, the MP said sugarcane cultivation covers 2,449 acres in the district, with registered farmers contributing to the mill’s supply. “With an average yield of 36.75 tonnes per acre, the expected total output is approximately 90,000 tonnes,” he explained. The MP added that unregistered sugarcane grown within the mill’s jurisdiction accounts for an additional 10,000 tonnes, bringing the total planned crushing volume to one lakh tonnes.
Highlighting the previous season’s performance, Mr Rajeshkumar said 1.65 lakh tonnes of sugarcane were crushed in 2023-24, and ₹48.18 crores were paid to farmers in a single instalment. He noted that the State government had also offered a special incentive of ₹215 per tonne to farmers during that season.
The MP reminded farmers that the Central government has fixed the FRP and a sum will be paid to all growers. The MP urged farmers to enrol directly with the mill to reap the benefits. He encouraged farmers to take up new sugarcane varieties released by the State government to enhance yields.
Mr. Rajeshkumar also announced that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had recently announced plans to expand ethanol production capacity at the facility. “A proposal worth ₹8 crore to enhance ethanol production will soon be submitted to the government,” he said.
The initiative will support the farmers and make the mill operational with full efficiency, ensuring further growth in the local sugarcane industry.
