Someshwarnagar: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar has urged sugar cooperatives to move beyond traditional sugar production and explore businesses such as biogas, CNG, ethanol and organic fertiliser to strengthen farmers’ incomes and build a more sustainable rural economy.
Speaking at a farmers’ gathering at Someshwar Cooperative Sugar Factory in Someshwarnagar, Pawar stressed the need for sugar cooperatives and farmers to adopt modern technology, reduce operating costs and improve the economic benefits of agriculture, according to Indian Cooperative.
Pawar said the agriculture and sugar sectors need to respond to changing weather conditions, rising input costs and uncertain market conditions. She called for better planning, the use of advanced technology and sustainable practices to improve the financial position of farmers.
Highlighting biogas as one of the areas for diversification, Pawar said sugar cooperatives should develop value-added activities alongside sugar manufacturing. She also cited ethanol, CNG and organic fertiliser as opportunities that can help cooperatives make better use of available resources and create additional sources of income.
“Farmer welfare must remain the top priority,” Pawar said, while encouraging cooperatives to adopt new technologies and sustainable methods.
She also praised Someshwar Cooperative Sugar Factory for its financial discipline, management and commitment to sugarcane growers. Pawar credited the factory’s members, farmers, employees, officials and management for its performance.
Pawar further highlighted the contribution of the cooperative sector to social development, healthcare and education.
Minister Makarand Jadhav Patil, MLA Sachin Patil, former MLA Sambhaji Kunjir, PDCC Bank Chairman Dr Digambar Durgade and Someshwar factory Chairman Purushottam Jagtap were among those present at the event.
