In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Ms. Nimuben Bambhaniya, said that in the ongoing sugar season of 2024-25, a total of 534 sugar mills are operational across the country, out of which 199 are run by cooperative societies.
In a major push to revive the cooperative sugar sector, the Government of Maharashtra has informed that while 21 cooperative sugar mills remain inoperative, 19 have been successfully revived through lease, partnership, or joint venture models.
Further bolstering the sector, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) has extended financial assistance to 33 cooperative sugar factories across several districts of Maharashtra. The combined support under this initiative amounts to a substantial Rs 4,355.12 crore, with prominent beneficiary districts including Solapur, Pune, Latur, Sangli, and Jalgaon.
Additionally, the Maharashtra State Cooperative (MSC) Bank, backed by government guarantees, has sanctioned aid to five cooperative sugar factories, disbursing a total of Rs 630.10 crore. The beneficiary districts under this support include Solapur, Pune, Beed, and Nanded.
