Uttar Pradesh is the largest sugarcane producing state in the country and according to reports, out of the total sugar mills in India, 119 are located here, which employ about 6.50 lakh people directly and indirectly. Now, the state is set to commence the production of sulphur-less sugar, as the Chief Minister has inaugurated two new plants in Basti and Gorakhpur sugar mills, on Wednesday. With the first-of-its-kind facility in UP, the production of sulphur-less sugar will also facilitate timely payments to the sugarcane farmers.
The total daily cane crushing capacity of the two sugar mills is 50,000 quintals
The state government, from its resources, had financed the revival of both these defunct sugar mills and later also financed the installation of the plant and machinery of the sulphur plant. The total daily cane crushing capacity of the two sugar mills is 50,000 quintals. During the current cane crushing season, both the mills are expected to purchase 65 lakh quintals of cane from the farmers and the production of the sulphur-free sugar has already started since yesterday.
The Pipraich sugar mill produced 4.43 lakh quintals of traditional sugar during the last cane crushing season (2019-20) and the Munderva mill produced 4.02 lakh quintals of sugar during the same period. The two mills also generated 315 MW and 418 MW power respectively and an earned revenue of over Rs 32 crores.
Sugar mills to make immediate payments to the farmers during the current season
The Gorakhpur and Basti sugar mills have also cleared 100% dues of Rs 14,523 lakhs and Rs 13,986 lakhs to the sugarcane farmers for the last cane crushing season. The sugar corporation stated that both the sugar mills would make immediate payments to the farmers during the current season.
For sulphur-less sugar production units, two new turbines at a cost of Rs 25 crores each, have been installed in the mills and the carbon-dioxide that is used in the process will be supplied free of cost from the distilleries. The production process of sulphur-less sugar is eco-friendly and it also enhances the soil fertility. It is also safer and healthier for the consumers as compared to the conventional sugar.
The sugar that is generally used in Indian households contributes to health problems and it also does not contain nutrients like vitamins and minerals. The traditional technique of sugar production uses sulphur-dioxide and lime to clean sugarcane juice. Some amount of sulphur is left behind after the completion of the process and it is harmful to health.
