PANJIM: Goa’s only sugarcane factory-the Sanjivani Sugar factory, which is reeling under financial losses, is all set for upgradation under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) with assistance from the State government.
The information was provided by Sanjivani sugar factory managing director cum Administrator DS Morajkar in a communication to the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), who has been directed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to shut down the unit for failure to install online continuous monitoring station for effluent and stack emission.
“As the Karkhana (factory) is not in profit for last many years, it is being supported by government for financial assistance to carry out any upgradation or modification of the plant or to install new machinery,” Morajkar said.
He informed that upgradation of the factory under RKVY scheme with the assistance of the State government is in progress.
GSPCB has already written to CPCB requesting to allow operation of the unit for the season and granting six months time to install the facility.
Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI), Pune has prepared the detail project report, which is placed before the government for approval.
The factory is yet to resume operation for the current season 2018-19, which has affected livelihood of several sugarcane farmers.
Morajkar said that the factory runs on season basis that is an average duration of about 100 to 110 days in a year. The sugarcane crushing ranges from 613 to 1172 MT per day and duration of crushing season ranges from 67 to 127 days for the last five years.
“The average production is 55,000 quintals of sugar for the season,” he said.
Morajkar pointed out that closure of the factory will have detrimental effect on co-operative sector and on the livelihood of the people dependent on its functioning.
