North India Statesman
There was a time when Bihar was identified with its sugar mills, the smoke coming out of whose chimneys indicated the progress of the area. But with time many mills were closed and this ‘sweetness’ of Bihar faded. But now once again a ray of hope has arisen. After the formation of the new government in Bihar, the biggest and most concrete step has been taken so far in the direction of restarting the closed sugar mills and opening new mills.
The government has not only prepared a blueprint for this, but has also constituted a high-level committee, which will implement this entire mission on the ground.
The decision was taken in the first cabinet meeting
The foundation of this big decision was laid in the very first cabinet meeting held after the formation of the new government. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had made it clear that restarting the closed sugar mills is one of the biggest priorities of his government. He had told that its main objective is to provide a stable market to sugarcane farmers, increase investment in the state and create new employment opportunities.
What is the government’s action plan?
To make this mission successful, a high-powered committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary. This committee will work on two main fronts:
- Revival of old mills: The committee will study in depth the list and current situation of all those sugar mills which have been closed for years. In the report it will be seen whether they can be restarted, how much it will cost and whether they will be able to earn profits in future.
- Establishment of new mills: Along with this, the committee will also work on the strategy to attract investment for setting up new sugar mills in the state.
In this committee, top officials of all important departments like agriculture, industry, sugarcane industry, finance and cooperation have been included as members so that there is no obstruction at any level.
Why is this decision so important?
Bihar is an agricultural state and sugarcane is a major cash crop.
- Direct benefit to farmers: With the restarting of mills, lakhs of sugarcane farmers will not have to wander anywhere to sell their crops and they will get the right price at the right time.
- Employment Opportunities: Sugar industry is a sector that generates direct and indirect employment on a large scale. With this, local youth will get work near their homes and migration will stop.
- Industrial development will gain momentum: The expansion of industries in Bihar which has gained momentum in the last few years, will get a new and bigger leap with the revival of the sugar industry.
This decision can breathe a new life into the rural economy of Bihar and once again give the state back its old identity as the ‘sugar bowl’.
