Orissa plans package for sugarcane farmers

BHUBANESWAR: Orissa will soon come out with a special package for the sugarcane growers associated with the three government-run sugar mills in the state.

“In order to provide maximum support to the sugarcane farmers, the state government is contemplating to make them available raw materials at their door steps. Besides, the government is looking at the option of giving them easy credit inputs,” agriculture and cooperation minister Dr Damodar Mr Rout said, while receiving a draft of Rs 3.13 crore from, chairman of Nayagarh Sugar Complex Limited (NSCL) Trailokya Mishra towards an outstanding payment.

Mr Mishra had purchased the government-owned Nayagarh Sugar Mills in 2004 at Rs 5.22 crore. The company had earlier paid in excess of two crore in phases.
different installments.

As per the sale-purchase agreement made in 2004 with the state government, NSCL had agreed to pay the outstanding over a period of 13 years. However, it paid the entire amount eight years before the stipulated period. The advance payment was possible “as the company managed to find scope for growth in the sector.”

Welcoming the move, Mr Rout said: “A few years ago many people were apprehensive about the fate of Nayagarh Sugar Mills, but this turnaround of the industry has proved them wrong." Appreciating the pre-payment of the outstanding, Dr Rout said, “This has set an example for promising entrepreneurs to take up ventures in right earnest and emerge victorious with flying colours.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mishra claimed that the company cleared all the dues as it would help us enhance our credibility before the government and public as well as win the confidence of the farmers’ community.

NSCL director Mr Sabyasachi Mishra said, “The Company is already set on a growth trajectory and we are looking for modernization, expansion and value-addition in near future.”

The director added that the recent decision of the Orissa Government to accord sugar sector food processing industry status and appointing a Task Force for monitoring the growth prospects of the sugar industry in Orissa consisting of top government officials had boosted the business opportunities.