Reopen sugar mills to cut import reliance

In Bengali culture, good news is often celebrated with sweets. However, while these treats are cherished, doctors warn that more people die from sugar-related issues than from wars. Excessive consumption of sweets can lead to increased sugar levels, obesity, and various diseases. As we age, health professionals advise against indulging in too many sugary foods.

Yet, for many, a life without sugar is unappealing. Consequently, during festive occasions like Ramadan and Eid, the price of sugar tends to rise. In recent years, special syndicates have caused instability in the sugar market in Bangladesh. Additionally, the closure of several sugar mills has made the market increasingly reliant on imports.

According to a news report published on September 30, the government is working to reopen six closed sugar mills. Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) oversees a total of 15 government sugar mills, six of which are currently inactive: Kushtia, Pabna, Panchagarh, Shyampur (Rangpur), Rangpur, and Setabganj (Dinajpur). Industry experts indicate that most of these mills are not in a productive state.

Additionally, the prolonged closure of production has led to a decline in sugarcane production in areas linked to these mills. Sources from the Industries Ministry and BSFIC have stated that before reopening the mills, it is essential to boost sugarcane production, renovate the factories, and install new machinery. This endeavor will require several hundred crores of taka. However, given the current economic conditions, securing such funding appears unlikely. Therefore, BSFIC is initially considering restarting one of the mills located between Shyampur and Setabganj.

Reopening the sugar mills may require an investment of up to 35 crore taka. Many workers rely on these mills, and their closure has led to widespread unemployment. Additionally, sugarcane farmers are affected, as they depend on these mills for their livelihoods. Despite sugar prices increasing 150 times over the past decade, the price of sugarcane has remained stagnant. Consequently, many sugarcane farmers are shifting to alternative crops, leading to a decline in sugarcane production.

The government had to close six sugar mills due to insufficient sugarcane supply. To establish a new sugar mill, boosting sugarcane production is essential, according to industry experts. This situation has also negatively impacted the country's economy, as it has become increasingly reliant on imports. Various syndicate business groups have capitalized on this vulnerability.

Reopening the sugar mills will likely boost sugarcane production, benefiting farmers in the process. Additionally, our local sugars, particularly red sugar, are recognized for being chemical-free. Therefore, there is a strong desire for the sugar mills to be operational again. Alongside this, it's crucial to modernize the machinery in the mills. With these improvements, Bangladesh has the potential to become self-reliant and prosperous in the sugar industry.