Gopalpur:North Bengal Sugar Mills in Gopalpur, Natore, is set to begin its sugarcane crushing operations on October 30. Preparations for the new season included conducting a water trial today to ensure the factory's readiness.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, State Minister for Social Welfare Barrister Farzana Sharmin is expected to formally inaugurate the sugarcane crushing operations. The mill aims to crush 180,000 tonnes of sugarcane and produce 11,700 tonnes of sugar this season, with a targeted sugar recovery rate of 6.5 percent. The crushing operations are scheduled to last for 125 days.
To support sugarcane cultivation, the government has increased the price of sugarcane by Taka 26 per quintal compared to the previous season. The procurement price is set at Taka 651 per quintal at the mill gate and Taka 637.46 per quintal at collection centers. Around 18,000 acres of land have been cultivated with sugarcane in the mill's designated area, and the government has provided incentives worth Taka 2.71 crore to 5,454 farmers for early cultivation using improved methods.
North Bengal Sugar Mills Managing Director Mohammad Farid Hossain Bhuiyan stated that the water trial was conducted to ensure cleanliness and prepare the factory for the upcoming crushing season.