Cool Bihari: Revival of Agro Based Industries in Bihar

Bihar has been one of the largest producers of sugarcane in the Country during the late 40’s and early 50’s.Studies point out that there has been a gradual decline in the agro based industries in Bihar over a period of time due to lack of proper support and investment from the central govt. The new CM also feels that the agricultural interest of the state needs to be protected and hence the state is not in favour of creating SEZ’s and he says “They are controversial and we can’t spare agricultural land.”

The President during his visit to Bihar also outlined the road map for the sugar industry revival and highlighted the immense potential the industry has for North Bihar in particular.

The North of Bihar is agro-climatically very suitable for producing good quality sugarcane with minimum inputs as compared to other states. This should be used to the best advantage of the state. Sugar Cane Research Institute, Pusa or other Sugar Institutions have to work together to develop new varieties of sugar cane to meet the climatic and soil requirements of Bihar. Their research and development must enable the increase the productivity of the sugar cane.

Continuing with its focus on agricultural development the state cabinet on Thursday gave clearance to P&M Infrastructure Limited to install a sugar mill in West Champaran district and also sanctioned Rs 37.38 crore for payment of salary and other arrears to the teaching and non-teaching staff of madrassas.

Eminent film director Prakash Jha is associated with the P&M company which is to invest Rs 147 crore for the sugar mill at Guruwalia Viswas village in Chanpatia block of West Chaparan district. It will have cane- crushing capacity of 5,000 TCD and produce 60 kil litre of distillery per day apart from 25 MW of power.