Vizianagaram: Local leaders and representatives of farmers’ associations are calling on the government to revive the defunct sugar mills in Bhimasingi and Sithanagaram, once key contributors to the rural economy of Vizianagaram district.
The shutdown of these mills have led to a sharp decline in sugarcane cultivation in the region, dropping from 4,500 hectares to less than 3,000 hectares. With no local processing facilities, farmers are now forced to transport their harvest to the Sankili sugar mill in neighbouring Srikakulam district, adding to their costs and logistical burden.
The Bhimasingi Cooperative sugar mill in Jami mandal, one of the oldest in the district, halted operations five years ago due to outdated equipment and an insufficient supply of sugarcane. The privately operated N.C.S. sugar mactory followed, closing three years ago after it was deemed financially unviable.
Bhisetti Babji, State President of the Lok Satta Party, has appealed to MSME Minister Kondapalli Srinivas to step in and help revive the Bhimasingi facility. He noted that nearly 300 employees who lost their jobs have yet to receive their pending dues, including provident fund and gratuity, reported The Hindu.
CPI(M) leader Reddi Shankara Rao echoed the concerns, stating that when both mills were operational, the local economy flourished across several mandals. He urged the government to take action so that farmers could resume sugarcane cultivation in the upcoming kharif season.
Dantuluri Varma, State Secretary of Rythu Coolie Sangham, added that modernising the mills could bring back much-needed employment. “Upgrading these facilities could create both direct and indirect jobs, offering a much-needed boost to the rural economy,” he said.
