Maharashtra Grants Crushing Licences to 210 Sugar Mills
The Maharashtra government has issued licences for the upcoming sugarcane crushing season, allowing operations to begin from October 15.
210 sugar mills, including 104 cooperatives and 106 private, have received crushing licences.
The official start date for the crushing season is October 15, though some mills may begin earlier.
Concerns over sugarcane growth due to inadequate rainfall have been raised by farmer organizations.
In a significant move for the agricultural sector, the Maharashtra government has issued crushing licences to 210 sugar mills ahead of the upcoming sugarcane crushing season. This includes 104 cooperative mills and 106 private mills that have fulfilled their obligations by paying the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to farmers. The state has set October 15 as the official start date for the crushing operations, although some mills in Kolhapur, Sangli, and Satara districts may commence earlier than this date.
The deadline for submitting online applications for these licences was September 30, with all 210 mills submitting their applications between September 1 and September 30. The issuance of these licences comes at a time when there are growing concerns regarding the growth of sugarcane in various regions of Maharashtra, primarily due to insufficient rainfall this season. Farmer organizations have expressed their opposition to an early start to the crushing season, citing worries about the availability and maturity of the sugarcane crop.
Despite the official start date of October 15, the Sugar Commissioner, Dr. Sanjay Kolte, has indicated that mills have the flexibility to begin crushing operations either before or after this date. He has urged the mills to preferably start on the designated date to ensure a smooth transition into the crushing season. This decision follows a ministerial committee meeting held on September 9, where Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the commencement of operations for both cooperative and private sugar mills.
Dr. Kolte emphasized that the issuance of licences has been completed for both cooperative and private sugar mills across the state. He reassured stakeholders that there is no obligation for mills to start the crushing season early, and they can choose to begin operations at their discretion. His office is actively taking steps to facilitate a seamless start to the crushing season, ensuring that all necessary measures are in place.
Looking ahead, the sugar industry in Maharashtra will be closely monitored as the crushing season approaches. The government is expected to keep a close watch on the sugarcane supply and the operational readiness of the mills. Stakeholders are hopeful that the season will proceed without major disruptions, despite the challenges posed by weather conditions.
