Patna: In a major initiative under the state government’s “Saat Nischay” programme, Bihar Cooperative Minister Pramod Kumar announced on Tuesday that two sugar mills will be operated by the Cooperative Department. This is part of a broader plan to revive old sugar mills and establish new ones across the state.
Speaking at a press conference at his official chamber in Patna, Kumar said, “We have just received a proposal to operate two sugar mills under the Cooperative Department. Once the cabinet clears it, we will proceed with the necessary preparations.” He was accompanied by Secretary Dharmendra Singh, Additional Secretary Abhay Kumar Singh, and other senior officials.
Two Sugar Mills to be Operated by Cooperative Department
The Cooperative Department is likely to take over Sakri Sugar Mill in Madhubani district and Raiyam Sugar Mill in Darbhanga district. Currently, the department is working on constituting cooperative committees, deciding their formation levels, and preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
Cooperative Secretary Dharmendra Singh added, “Once the mills are transferred to the department, we will prepare a mill-wise operational plan. Coordination with the Sugarcane Department is ongoing to ensure smooth transition and management.”
A high-level committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, has already recommended that the Cooperative Department run the two sugar mills, and preparatory work is underway.
Read also: Bihar’s JP Ganga Path Expansion from Digha to Koilwar: ₹6,495 Crore Project to Boost Connectivity
Paddy Procurement Update
Highlighting the progress of paddy procurement for the 2025-26 Kharif Marketing Season (KMS), Kumar stated that PACS has procured 9.53 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 1.32 lakh farmers, amounting to Rs 1,755 crore in Minimum Support Price (MSP) payments.
The target for the season is 36.85 lakh MT, and the state government has requested the Centre to increase the procurement limit to 45 lakh MT.
To ensure transparency, District Magistrates have been asked to prepare a list of farmers willing to sell paddy to PACS and assign designated dates for procurement. Additional centers may be opened if required. An IVRS call centre (toll-free 1800 1800 110) has been set up to address farmer grievances. So far, 584 complaints have been received, mostly regarding delays in procurement.
The minister assured that payments are made within 48 hours of procurement.
Membership-Cum-Awareness Drive to Begin Jan 2
Kumar announced that the Cooperative Department will launch a membership-cum-awareness drive at the panchayat level from January 2. The drive aims to enroll new members in Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) and increase awareness about government schemes.
“Bihar has 1.38 crore PACS members, one of the highest in the country. Panchayat-wise camps will help in creating awareness and enrolling interested persons as PACS members,” he said.
PACS to Evolve as Major Service Centres
The minister highlighted that PACS will be developed as major service centres. Currently, PACS provides 25 types of services, with 4,000 out of 8,400 PACS functioning as e-PACS, ensuring complete online operations.
Additionally:
- 6292 PACS have been set up as Common Service Centres (CSC), with 5,262 fully functional.
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras have been approved in 302 PACS, currently operational in 22 PACS, with mandatory pharmacists.
- Computerisation of 4,477 PACS is underway in the first phase, with proposals for 1,601 more PACS in the second phase and the rest in the third phase.
- Following the Sudha outlet model, the department plans to open “Tarkari” outlets in PACS.
The State Cooperative Bank has also provided loans of Rs 75 lakh against gold to 24 persons, indicating efforts to boost financial support through PACS.
