Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar has directed that a proposal to introduce a Soft Loan Policy and By-Product Manufacturing Policy for cooperative sugar factories be placed before the State Cabinet at the earliest.
Chairing a meeting on the proposed policies, Pawar said the measures are aimed at helping cooperative sugar factories prepare for the upcoming crushing season and ensure timely payment of Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to farmers.
The proposed soft loan scheme, modelled on the lines of the Central Government’s initiatives, is expected to ease the financial stress faced by cooperative sugar factories, enabling them to meet operational requirements and make timely FRP payments.
The By-Product Manufacturing Policy is expected to accelerate diversification and value addition in the cooperative sugar sector. It will promote production of solar power, cogeneration, 1G and 2G ethanol, multi-feed ethanol, compressed biogas (CBG), green hydrogen, bio-bitumen, biochemicals and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The initiatives are expected to strengthen the financial sustainability of cooperative sugar factories while supporting farmers and ensuring a smooth start to the next crushing season.
