'Initiatives taken to utilise by-products to make sugar mills profitable'

The government took initiatives to shift focus on utilising by-products from solely relying on sugar production to making the country's sugar mills profitable, Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana has said.

"We have devised plans for collaborative ventures with both local and foreign entrepreneurs to explore innovative avenues for making our sugar mills profitable," she said in an exchange meeting with sugarcane farmers, workers, and officials at Faridpur Sugar Mill at Faridpur's Madhukhali upazila.

Chairman of Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation Md Arifur Rahman Apu chaired the exchange meeting. Deputy Commissioner of Faridpur Md Kamrul Ahsan Talukder also spoke.

The Industries Secretary said one of the critical components of this strategy is the increase in the price of sugarcane, with the government raising the price to Tk220 per maund. This price hike is intended to incentivize farmers to expand their sugarcane cultivation efforts. A further increase to Tk240 per maund is planned for the next season.

Secretary Zakia Sultana also highlighted the government's commitment to supporting sugarcane farmers by providing high-quality sugarcane seeds and fertilizers. The government has streamlined the payment process for sugarcane, ensuring that farmers receive their dues promptly. This increased efficiency has been instrumental in boosting sugarcane production per acre.

To enhance 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, thereby improving their productivity, she added.

"Efforts are also underway to increase sugarcane production in areas where sugar mill operations have been temporarily suspended. These efforts involve the implementation of advanced agricultural practices to enhance yields and sustain growth in the sugar industry," she added.

In addition to these measures, Secretary Zakia Sultana emphasised the government's commitment to addressing the debt issues faced by the Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industry Corporation. Efforts are underway to ensure that the government's debt is repaid, and measures are in place to prevent the accumulation of interest year after year.

She also urged stakeholders to work together diligently to transform the Faridpur Sugar Mill into a profitable enterprise. The industries secretary emphasized the historical significance of the mill, which was established during the tenure of Bangabandhu, and expressed optimism that concerted efforts would lead to achieving the set objectives.