Karnal sugar mill bags national award for technical efficiency

The Karnal Cooperative Sugar Mill has been awarded the first prize at national level for technical efficiency. Stating this, mill Managing Director Rajeev Prasad said the award was presented on July 3 during an annual national efficiency awards ceremony organised by the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories (NFCSF). The mill officials and members of its board of directors received the award.

Prasad said the mill had commenced its crushing season for 2023-24 on November 15, 2023, and completed it on April 11, 2024, without any interruptions. During the season, the mill crushed 49.34 lakh quintals of sugarcane and produced 4.90 lakh quintals of sugar. This consistent performance and operational excellence earned the mill national recognition for technical efficiency.

To enhance farmer convenience, the mill has implemented an online token system, enabling farmers to self-generate and affix tokens on their sugarcane trolleys. Besides, the mill has set up two dedicated helpline numbers – 9034165736 and 9034165436 – to assist farmers with any issues during the crushing season. Prasad said the system had been running successfully.

Highlighting the mill’s farmer-friendly practices, he said the farmers were able to unload their trolleys within two–three hours and return home promptly. The mill has ensured timely payment for sugarcane, with all dues for the current season already cleared. During the crushing season, payments were made within two–three days, he added.

The MD said the mill’s 18 MW co-generation power plant generated 351.38 lakh kilowatt hours of electricity, resulting in an additional revenue of Rs 22.31 crore. This contributed significantly to the mill’s financial profitability.

To support farmers during the crushing season, special arrangements were made at the cane yard, including overnight accommodation and a tea canteen. The mill is running the ‘Atal Mazdoor Kisan Canteen’, where farmers are served meals for just Rs 10, he added.