Bangladesh: Government takes steps to make sugar mills profitable

The government has embarked on a strategic shift aimed at diversifying the focus of the country’s sugar mills from a sole reliance on sugar production to ensure their profitability, said Zakia Sultana, the Industries Secretary, reported Tbsnews.

Speaking during an exchange meeting with sugarcane farmers, workers, and officials at Faridpur Sugar Mill in Faridpur’s Madhukhali upazila, she outlined plans for collaborative ventures with both local and foreign entrepreneurs to explore innovative avenues for enhancing the viability of sugar mills.

Chairing the exchange meeting was Md Arifur Rahman Apu, Chairman of Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation, with Md Kamrul Ahsan Talukder, Deputy Commissioner of Faridpur, also addressing the gathering.

One pivotal component of this strategy, according to the Industries Secretary, is the increase in the price of sugarcane, with the government having raised it to Tk220 per maund. This upward revision is intended to incentivize farmers to expand their sugarcane cultivation efforts, with a further increase to Tk240 per maund planned for the next season.
Sultana further underscored the government’s commitment to supporting sugarcane farmers by providing high-quality sugarcane seeds and fertilizers. Additionally, the government has streamlined the payment process for sugarcane, ensuring that farmers receive their dues promptly. This heightened efficiency has played a pivotal role in augmenting sugarcane production per acre.

To bolster communication and support for sugarcane farmers, the government has introduced the “Bandhu Seba” app, which currently connects approximately 65,000 sugarcane farmers. Through this platform, farmers receive valuable instructions and guidance, thus contributing to improved productivity.

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