DHAKA, Sept 23, 2023 (BSS) - Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana today said
that initiatives have been taken to make the country's sugar mills
profitable.
 
She said emphasis is being given not only relying on sugar production but
also on making products through using the by-products.

The Industries Secretary informed that the government is also thinking about
joint ventures with local and foreign entrepreneurs in this regard.

Zakia said this while speaking as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting
with sugarcane farmers, workers and officials to increase quality sugarcane
production and yield held at Faridpur Sugar Mills training building at
Madhukhali in Faridpur district.

Presided over by the Chairman of Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries
Corporation (BSFIC) Md Arifur Rahman Apu, Deputy Commissioner of Faridpur
Kamrul Ahsan Talukder spoke as special guest in the event.

The Industries Secretary said many initiatives have been taken to bring back
the good days of sugar industry.

"To encourage farmers to grow more sugarcanes, the price of sugarcane has
been increased to Taka 220 for per maund or 40-kg of sugarcane. In the
upcoming 2023-24 season, Taka 240 will be given to the farmers for per maund
of sugarcanes," she added.

She further said the government is providing good quality sugarcane seeds and
fertilizers to the farmers to bring back the glory of sugar industry.

Zakia said 'Bandhu Seba' apps have been launched in which about 65,000
sugarcane farmers are connected. As a result of this, the farmers are getting
necessary instructions.

Calling upon all concerned to turn the Faridpur Sugar Mills, established in
1974, into a profitable entity, the Industries Secretary said this sugar mill
is built by Bangabandhu. "If everyone works together according to the proper
plan, then we hope to reach our goal."