Historic Decision for Sugarcane Farmers of Kawardha

Raipur, 29 September

In a historic move, Bhoramdev Cooperative Sugar Factory in Kawardha has decided to grant membership to non-shareholder sugarcane farmers. This long-standing demand was raised by farmers through the Mukhyamantri Su-Shasan Tihar, Jan Darshan, Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, and other organizations. As a result, farmers who supplied sugarcane during the last crushing season will now be granted membership. Additionally, farmers who supply cane to the factory as per its requirements in the upcoming crushing season will also be granted membership next year.

This is a landmark gift for sugarcane farmers in Kawardha district. The factory’s decision ensures that non-shareholding farmers who supply cane during the 2025-26 crushing season will also be included as members. This will give all sugarcane farmers equal status and ensure stable and reliable supply of sugarcane to the factory.

This step is seen as farmer-friendly and is expected to give new direction to the cooperative movement in the region.

The Bhoramdev Sugar Factory was registered on 3 April 2001 and currently has a crushing capacity of 3,500 metric tons per day. At the time of its establishment, a minimum share amount of ₹2,000 and an entry fee of ₹100 were set. Currently, the factory has 23,476 shareholder members, but only around 12,500 to 13,000 farmers supply sugarcane each year. To meet its crushing target, the factory requires 450,000 metric tons of cane, but due to inadequate supply last year, the factory had to shut down early.

Taking note of farmers’ demands, the Board of Management has decided that going forward, non-shareholder farmers who supply cane will also be granted membership. The factory management believes this decision will stabilize cane supply and strengthen farmers’ trust.

Farmers have welcomed this decision, calling it a new chapter for sugarcane producers.