Kalaburagi: The Bidar Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take action to restart the Bidar Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane (BSSK) Ltd. in Hallikhed (B), Humnabad taluk, by leasing it to a capable private operator under the Long-term Lease, Renovate, Operate and Transfer (LROT) model, reported The Hindu.
In a memorandum signed by chamber president B.G. Shetkar and honorary secretary Veerendra Shastri, the organisation highlighted that the cooperative sugar factory, set up in the 1960s, was once a key agro-industrial hub in the district.
Spread over 174 acres with a crushing capacity of 3,500 tonnes of sugarcane per day, the factory supported 25,760 farmer members, over 600 workers, and more than 5,000 agricultural labourers. With sugarcane grown on nearly 14,000 hectares in the district, the unit played a central role in sustaining the rural economy.
The chamber noted that proposals for revival under private management through the LROT model for 40 years have already been sent to the State government, which has issued an order in support of the plan. However, it expressed concern over the delay in execution, pointing out that other cooperative sugar mills in the district, such as NSSK in Bidar and MGSSK in Bhalki, continue to function despite carrying higher debt levels.
In contrast, three private factories in the district, Bidar Kisan in Mugdal, Bhavani Sugar in Barur, and Bhalkeshwar Sugar in Bajolga, have been operating successfully and profitably, producing both sugar and byproducts.
Arguing that the cooperative structure is no longer viable for the Bidar unit, the chamber called on the State to take over its liabilities and proceed with leasing it to a private player.
The memorandum also acknowledged the efforts of district in-charge Minister Eshwar Khandre, who has discussed the matter with Ministers and legislators and agreed to lead a delegation to the Chief Minister.
Representing farmers, traders, and industrialists in Bidar, the chamber urged the government to place the matter before the next Cabinet meeting and act quickly to restart the factory without further delay.
