Govt to reopen some mills to increase sugar production: commerce minister

The government wants to increase sugar production by reopening some of the nine mills that are currently not in operation, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said today.

The country has 15 state-owned sugar mills, of which six are currently operating, said Muktadir, who is also the minister for industries and textiles and jute.

He made the comments to a group of journalists after visiting Panchagarh Sugar Mills Limited, where he exchanged views with sugarcane farmers.

The minister said initiatives have also been taken to revive several other state-owned industrial enterprises, according to a statement from the commerce ministry.

The government will revive the operations of the closed sugar mills while keeping in mind the interests of sugarcane farmers, workers, and the long-term profitable operation of the mills, he said.

“These mills are assets of the people of Bangladesh. Therefore, ensuring their honest and effective utilisation is the responsibility of the government. We want the closed industrial establishments to resume production, create employment opportunities, and bring new momentum to the local economy,” the minister also said.

He also observed that several sugar mills in the country are currently closed, while many operating mills are being run under various limitations.

Most of the mills are 50 to 70 years old. Therefore, the effective revival of many of these institutions is not possible without modernisation, renovation, and the incorporation of new technologies.

Some mills will need to be reopened through the installation of new machinery, some will require infrastructural renovation, while alternative plans may need to be considered for certain institutions, Muktadir said.

However, in every case, the interests of sugarcane farmers, workers’ employment, and profitable management will be ensured, the minister said.

He further stated that when an industrial establishment remains operational, it not only provides direct employment to workers but also creates many additional employment opportunities through various related economic activities.

Therefore, reopening the closed mills is highly important for the country’s overall economic activities and poverty reduction.

The minister further said that, due to being shut down for a long time, the infrastructure and machinery of Panchagarh Sugar Mill require extensive renovation.

Expert opinions are being sought, and all possible aspects are being reviewed, he said.