Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Three cooperative sugar mills in Haryana — Shahabad, Karnal and Panipat — have secured first prizes in different categories at the national level, highlighting the state’s efforts to modernise its sugar industry and expand into bio-energy.
Haryana Cooperation Minister Dr Arvind Sharma said the awards reflected the combined efforts of sugarcane farmers, mill employees, engineers and management.
Shahabad, Karnal And Panipat Mills Secure Top Honours
The Shahabad Cooperative Sugar Mill received the first prize for technical efficiency in the ‘Other Recovery Zone’ category for the 2024-25 crushing season.
The Karnal Cooperative Sugar Mill won first prizes for technical efficiency and sugarcane development, while the Panipat Cooperative Sugar Mill secured the top award for technical efficiency.
Dr Sharma was speaking at the National Sugar and Bio-Energy Conclave, Industry Exhibition and Innovation Expo organised by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
Haryana Plans 690 KLPD Ethanol Capacity
The minister said Haryana is moving beyond conventional sugar production and working to develop cooperative sugar mills as multi-product bio-energy hubs.
Projects linked to around 690 KLPD of ethanol capacity are being taken forward with an investment of nearly Rs 1,200 crore. In Panipat, steps have been initiated for a 90 KLPD ethanol project involving an investment of around Rs 200 crore.
The state plans to increase production of ethanol, electricity, molasses, bagasse, press mud, bio-CBG and other value-added products alongside sugar.
Cooperative Mills Crush Over 285 Lakh Quintals Of Sugarcane
According to the minister, cooperative sugar mills associated with Haryana Sugarfed have crushed around 285.92 lakh quintals of sugarcane and produced approximately 26.24 lakh quintals of sugar.
Through co-generation, the mills have also supplied around 12.20 crore units of electricity to the grid, generating revenue of approximately Rs 76.60 crore.
Farmers Remain At The Centre Of Sugar Industry Push
Dr Sharma said the government is focusing on improving sugarcane productivity through better farming practices, improved varieties, tissue culture and mechanised harvesting.
Farmers adopting four-foot spacing for sugarcane cultivation are being provided an incentive of Rs 5,000 per acre.
The minister said the broader objective is to transform all 10 cooperative sugar mills in Haryana into modern, diversified and financially sustainable institutions, with farmers remaining at the centre of the system.
