Other States - Orissa   

Sugar units seek action plan

BHUBANESWAR: The Orissa Federation of Sugar Industries (OFSI) here on Monday demanded that the State government prepare an action plan to bring more areas under sugarcane cultivation to promote sugar industries in the State.

At the first meeting of Taskforce on Sugar Industries held here, OFSI vice chairman Trailokya Mishra said attempts should be made to provide quality sugarcane seed to farmers.

“Best varieties of sugarcane seeds would ensure high yield. Orissa is amongst the States where sugarcane productivity has been low. Government should immediately take steps to activate minor irrigation points to help farmers take advantage of irrigation facilities,” Mr. Mishra demanded.

A taskforce on sugar industry headed by State industries secretary was constituted way back in October 2007 to promote the sector. However, the taskforce could not meet for an once within past two years. Managing Director of Industrial Investment Promotion Corporation of Orissa Limited (IPICOL) was the convenor of the taskforce.

OFSI vice chairman said credit support system in grassroot sector should be strengthened for encouraging farmers to take up sugarcane farming and at the same time the State government should ensure involvement of district level officials.

Since more than 58 per cent of sugarcane was diverted for production of illicit liquor in the State, the government should come forward to regulate the produce after its harvest, Mr. Mishra pointed out.

In Orissa, six sugar manufacturing units were functioning – three in cooperative sector and rest three under private managements. The State has a cane-crushing capacity of 11000 tonnes per day. “It is now imperative to bring more areas under sugarcane cultivation,” OFSI vice-chairman said.

MD of IPICOL Suresh Patnaik said, “the federation has submitted several demands. We will certainly looking into the issues and make required recommendation to State government.”

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