Gopalganj: Once known for its thriving sugarcane industry, Gopalganj district in Bihar has seen a decline in sugarcane farming due to the closure of sugar mills. However, a ray of hope has emerged for sugarcane farmers as the Bihar government is taking steps to revive the long-shut sugar mills in the state, reported News 18.
Following the reopening of the Riga Sugar Mill, which had been closed for four years, there is now a strong possibility of three more closed sugar mills resuming operations. Bihar’s Sugarcane Industry Minister, Krishnanandan Paswan, has shared updates regarding the closed mills in Sitamarhi and Gopalganj, bringing optimism to sugarcane farmers. The government is actively working on reopening these three mills.
Minister Paswan emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers. “The Riga sugar mill has been restarted, and crushing has already begun this season. The government is currently reviewing the status of three more closed sugar mills—two in Sitamarhi and one in Gopalganj’s Sasamusa. Based on inspection reports and prevailing conditions, the government will take further steps to restart these mills,” he stated.
Highlighting the government’s support for sugarcane farmers, Paswan mentioned several initiatives. We have increased the base price of sugarcane by ₹20 per quintal. Under the Chief Minister’s Sugarcane Development Scheme, farmers are being provided with high-quality fertilizers, improved seeds, and subsidies for agricultural machinery,” he said.
To assist farmers in regions where sugarcane cultivation has declined, the government is encouraging them to set up jaggery processing plants. “Farmers from such areas are being identified and motivated to establish jaggery processing units,” the minister added.
