(a) whether about 217 sugar mills are lying closed at present and if so, the reasons therefor;
(b) whether the Government has made any efforts to start the said mills and if not, the reasons therefor along with the reaction of the Government thereto; and
(c) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
(SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY)
(a): During current sugar season 2018-19,so far out of 745 installed sugar mills, 510 sugar mills have commenced crushing operation. As the current sugar season 2018-19 lasts by September’2019, some of the sugar mills may still commence their crushing operation. However, during sugar season 2017-18, out of total 740 installed sugar mills in the country, 524 sugar mills have operated during 2017-18 sugar season (October-September) and 216 remained closed. Closure of the sugar mill is normally attributable to non-availability of adequate sugarcane, uneconomic size of plant, lack of modernization, high cost of working capital, poor recovery from sugarcane, lack of professional management, overstaffing and lack of adequate irrigation in the catchment area of the sugar mill etc.
(b) & (c): It is the responsibility of the entrepreneurs concerned to take steps to restart/re-open the closed sugar mills as far as private sector is concerned and State Government/UTs concerned in the case of the Public and Co-operative.
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