Sugar stock to be verified at all mills in UP

LUCKNOW: In a bid to check illegal purchase of sugarcane by mills, the state government has directed cane development and excise departments to verify stocks of cane, sugar and molasses or raw sugar at all mills in Uttar Pradesh, an official spokesman said.

"The government has directed to conduct regular raids and verify stocks of sugar at all mills in the state in the current crushing season," he said.

The spokesman said some mills were purchasing cane from the farmers at low rates by offering immediate cash payment.

"Such tactics are not only causing financial loss to the farmers, but are also resulting in loss of commission for cane committees and tax to the Centre and the state," he said.

He added that during joint inspection by cane and excise department teams molasses in excess quantity was detected at Brijnathpur and Simbhawali mills in Ghaziabad, Khaikheri in Muzaffarnagar and Deoband in Saharanpur.

In Brijnathpur sugar mill 13,839 quintal raw sugar was detected.

"Action had been taken against all these mills under Molasses Control Act and Essential Commodities.