Karnal: The Karnal Cooperative Sugar Mill has accelerated the generation of green power through its recently inaugurated 18 MW co-generation plant, utilizing sugarcane byproducts such as bagasse – a fibrous residue derived from cane juice extraction, reported Tribune India.
Having supplied 1,17,90,900 KWH units of electricity to the Haryana Power Purchase Centre (HPPC), the mill has garnered an additional income of Rs 25 crore during the current crushing season.
Managing Director of the mill Hitender Kumar Sharma highlighted the mill’s commitment to producing 18 MW of power from byproducts, with surplus energy being dispatched to the HPPC following in-house consumption ranging between 5 MW and 6 MW.
Inaugurated by Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in April 2021, the mill has significantly augmented its crushing capacity from 2,200 tonnes of cane daily (TCD) to 3,500 TCD. Notably, it is also engaged in the production of sulphur-free refined sugar. The MD reported the successful crushing of 17, 68,200 quintals of sugarcane, yielding 1,56,650 quintals of sugar at a recovery rate of 10.38 percent, establishing its commendable performance statewide.
Sharma further emphasized the prompt disbursement of payments to farmers within five days of their produce sale, totaling around Rs 52 crore in the ongoing crushing season. To streamline the process and save farmers’ time, an online token system has been implemented through an application, allowing farmers to plan their deliveries efficiently and check queue statistics. Additionally, two helpline numbers have been introduced for farmers unable to arrange tokens online.
Addressing the farmers’ needs comprehensively, Sharma stated the launch of an Atal Kisan canteen, offering affordable meals at a nominal rate of Rs 10 per plate. These strategic initiatives underscore the mill’s commitment to sustainable energy production, efficient operations, and farmer-centric practices.
