Bailhongal: The Someshwar cooperative sugar factory has set a goal of crushing 4 lakh metric tons of sugarcane this season, with an expected sugar recovery rate of 11.30 per cent. Factory Chairman Basavaraj Balekundagi urged farmers to supply high-quality sugarcane in substantial quantities to achieve this target, reported NewsKarnataka.com.
Speaking at the 2024-25 season inauguration ceremony for the boiler lighting and cane crushing operations, Balekundagi outlined plans for the factory’s growth. “We’ve organized cane-cutting teams to ensure smooth operations for farmers. The factory is also working to establish a 100 KLPD ethanol unit, increase crushing capacity from 2,500 TCD to 4,500 TCD, and double the co-generation unit’s output from 6 megawatts to 12 megawatts. Our board members and staff must encourage farmers to supply more cane,” he explained.
Dignitaries including Gangadhar Swamiji of Hosur Guru Madivaleshwara Math and Abhinava Siddalinga Swamiji of Nayanagar attended the event, honouring the late R.C. Balekundagi’s contributions and emphasizing the importance of quality cane for the factory’s success.
Actor Mallappa Ashtagipura acknowledged R.C. Balekundagi’s legacy, noting the challenges faced in establishing a cooperative amid private-sector competition. “Our factory has overcome these obstacles and continues to serve farmers well. We need everyone’s cooperation to sustain this effort,” he said.
The Bailhongal Someshwar Cooperative Sugar Factory board officially launched the crushing season on Thursday, with Vice President Mahantesh Mattikoppa, Managing Director Birendra, and directors Prakash Moogabasava, Rachappa Matti, Ashok Yaragoppa, Anita Metagudda, Kasturi Somanatti, Adrushappa Kotabagi, and Ashok in attendance.
