Satara: After the government hiked the ethanol prices to boost ethanol production in India, sugar mills are eyeing to invest in increasing ethanol production capacity. Ajinkyatara cooperative sugar mill in Satara, Maharashtra is one of them.
Mill’s Director Shivendrasinhraje Bhonsle while the addressing the farmers of the region on Wednesday said, “Ajinkyatara mill is one of the best sugar mills in Maharashtra, and we are emphasizing on ethanol production along with sugar production to increase farmers income. The sugar mill is growing from the last 12 years and has gained confidence in farmers, workers, and cane cutters. The mill is paying better FRP to farmers and working for their betterment.”
Recently, the Indian government increased the price of ethanol from C heavy molasses from Rs.43.46 per litre to Rs.43.75 per litre, and the cost of ethanol from B heavy molasses hiked from Rs.52.43 per litre to Rs.54.27 per litre. Price of ethanol from sugarcane juice/sugar/sugar syrup route was fixed at 59.48 per litre.
“The recovery of sugar will increase due to the installation of new machinery in the mill. When there is a low demand for sugar, the production of ethanol is a good option. With the government giving good rates to ethanol, we will reduce sugar production and produce 20 lakh litres of ethanol,” Bhonsle further added.
Millers in India are struggling because of unsold stocks. Therefore, the government is focusing on ethanol production to strengthen the financial condition of sugar mills. Experts believe the production of ethanol will aid sugar mills to improve the financial condition as they are struggling with depressed sugar prices, surplus stocks and piling cane arrears.
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