Bihar Government Moves to Revive Sakri and Raiyam Sugar Mills, High-Level Meeting Held in Patna

Patna: In a significant step towards reviving Bihar’s struggling sugar industry, the state government has initiated the process to bring back to life the long-shut Sakri Sugar Mill in Madhubani and Raiyam Sugar Mill in Darbhanga. A high-level meeting was held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, focusing on the revival of closed sugar mills and the establishment of new ones in the state.

Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening Bihar’s sugar sector, boosting employment opportunities, and ensuring better economic benefits for sugarcane farmers.

Focus on Cooperative Model for New Sugar Mills

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on setting up sugar mills through a cooperative model, which is expected to benefit both sugarcane farmers and entrepreneurs.

The Managing Director of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Limited (NFCSF), New Delhi, praised Bihar’s efforts to revive the sugar industry and assured full cooperation in establishing new sugar mills in the state.

He stated that NFCSF, in coordination with the Bihar government, will soon submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed sugar mills.

Proposal for Cooperative-Cum-Private Model

In the meeting, the Regional Manager of Indian Potash Limited suggested the establishment of sugar mills under a Cooperative-Cum-Private partnership model, which could help accelerate industrial development and ensure better operational efficiency.

Development Commissioner Orders Fast-Track Process

Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh issued clear instructions to officials to prioritize and fast-track the establishment process of sugar mills at Sakri and Raiyam.

He directed the Secretary of the Cooperation Department to ensure immediate coordination with NFCSF and complete the necessary formalities without delay.

Sugarcane Production Strategy Discussed

The meeting also focused on strategies to increase sugarcane production during both spring and autumn sowing seasons. Officials discussed solutions to tackle the issue of waterlogging during the monsoon season, which often affects sugarcane farming in Bihar.

The government emphasized that ensuring adequate sugarcane supply will be crucial for the successful operation of the proposed sugar mills.

Senior Officials Present

Several top-level officials attended the meeting, including:

• Additional Chief Secretary, Sugarcane Industries Department K. Senthil Kumar
• Principal Secretary, Planning and Development Department Mayank Varvade
• Secretary, Cooperation Department Dharmendra Singh
• Secretary, Minor Water Resources Department B. Kartikeya Dhanji
• Sugarcane Commissioner Anil Kumar Jha
• Other senior government officials

Major Boost for Bihar’s Sugar Industry

The revival of the Sakri and Raiyam sugar mills is being seen as a major boost to Bihar’s agricultural economy, especially in north Bihar districts where sugarcane cultivation plays an important role in rural livelihoods.

Officials believe the initiative will help create employment, encourage investment, and provide stable markets for farmers in the coming years.