Public representatives and leaders of farmers’ associations have urged the government to take steps to revive the defunct sugar factories in Bhimasingi and Sithanagaram, which played a crucial role in ensuring economic activity in rural areas of Vizianagaram district.
According to them, sugarcane cultivation has declined from 4500 hectares to below 3,000 hectares due to the closure of these factories. Farmers in the district are now forced to transport the sugarcane to the Sankili Sugar factory in Srikakulam district for processing.
One of the oldest sugar factories, the Bhimasingi Cooperative sugar factory in Jami mandal, ceased operations five years ago due to outdated machinery and a shortage in supply of sugarcane. Similarly, the privately run N.C.S. sugar factory stopped processing three years ago as it was non-viable.
Lok Satta Party State President Bhisetti Babji has urged Minister for MSME Kondapalli Srinivas to take steps to revive the Bhimasingi sugar factory. He highlighted that the nearly 300 employees who lost their jobs did not receive provident fund, gratuity, or other benefits after operations ceased.
CPI(M) leader Reddi Shankara Rao highlighted that once when, both the sugar factories were operational, the rural economy was thriving in several mandals. He called on the government to support the revival of operations at these factories so farmers can resume growing sugarcane in the upcoming kharif season.
Rythu Coolie Sangham of Andhra Pradesh State Secretary Dantuluri Varma said: “If the factories are modernised it could generate direct and indirect livelihood opportunities for many labourers, revitalising the economy.
