History

Sugarcane crop and it’s processing Sugar industry plays important and vital role in rural economy of Maharashtra. On an average about 9 to 10 lakh hectors land is under Sugarcane plantation. 25 lakh Sugarcane growers farm families are associated with this crop. About 1 lakh employees and 7 to 8 lakh sugarcane harvesting and transport labourers are striving for Sugar industry working.

During 2000 onwards it was felt by rural industrialist and large sugarcane growing farmers to enter this sector through Private entity to overcome short comings and deficiencies in cooperative setup. The Government of India also had given sugar sector delicensing in 1998 and globalization openings made in roads for sugar industry private establishments. On this background on 12th November 2003 the meeting was conveyed at Mumbai by former Dy. Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Ex. Union Minister late Shri. Gopinathji Mundhe, Ex. Maharashtra Minister Shri. Babanrao Pachpute, Present Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Shri. Haribhauji Bagade, Shri B.B. Thombareji and other chairman cum MD’s of about 30 Private Sugar Mills and on same day the birth of Private Sugar Mills Association had taken place.

The initial three objectives were in view for growth, welfare and development of Association member mills as under.

• To take up industry difficulties and grievances with State and Central Governments and resolve the same. To submit important matters for consideration of Government policies and rules.

• Technical and commercial advise and facilities to be imparted for member mills right from indent to commissioning of plants including engineering, production technology and management etc.

• Sugar and it’s byproducts marketing facilities creation. Due to globalization and opening of economy and subsequent decontrol in view, making advise and necessary marketing, business- domestic and overseas, import –export etc.

In the State of Maharashtra and Karnataka 87 and 30 Private Sugar mills are functioning in 2015 respectively.

Though Sugar industry is reeling under severe financial burdens for last three years due to declining of Sugar market prices, the major income product receipt, it is balancing through byproducts like Molasses, Distillery, Ethanol, Power generation income, industry is striving hard to pay out Sugarcane prices fixed by Government of India and State Government.