Madhubani: Once seen as a symbol of growth and prosperity during the British period and in the early years after Independence, the sugar industry in Madhubani and Darbhanga districts witnessed a steady decline in the latter half of the 20th century, eventually shutting down by the end of the century, reported The Times of India.
With a new government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar now in power, expectations have risen for fresh efforts to revive the sector. Plans are being discussed to restart nine closed sugar mills, including units at Lohat, Sakri and Raiyam, and to set up new mills across Bihar. These proposals have raised hopes of economic revival in the Mithila region.
Madhubani and Darbhanga were once key centres of sugar production, housing three major mills. The Lohat and Sakri mills are located in Madhubani district, while Raiyam falls under Darbhanga. The establishment of these mills marked the beginning of industrial activity in the largely farming-based region, where sugarcane processing gradually shifted from traditional jaggery making to organised sugar production in the early part of the last century.
While many have welcomed the announcement regarding the reopening of the Lohat, Sakri and Raiyam mills, veteran politician and social activist Shubhesh Chandra Jha expressed caution. He recalled that similar assurances had been made in the past, particularly during election periods, but were not followed through later, reported The Times of India.
He pointed out that in 2015, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had created a separate sugarcane development ministry under Nitish Mishra and some preliminary steps were initiated. However, he said the efforts did not lead to any concrete outcome.
The sugar industry in the Mithila region has a long history linked to widespread sugarcane cultivation and initiatives taken by the Darbhanga Raj during the British era, making its possible revival a matter of both economic and historical significance for the area.
