Kallakurichi Co-operative Sugar Mill
Overview:
The Kallakurichi Co-operative Sugar Mill is a prominent sugar manufacturing facility situated in Moongilthuraipattu, near Kallakurichi in Tamil Nadu. Established in 1967, it has grown over the decades to become a key player in the region’s sugar industry, serving numerous sugarcane farmers and contributing significantly to the local economy.
Production Capacity and Operations:
- Crushing Capacity: The mill has a crushing capacity of 2,500 tonnes of sugarcane per day (TCD).
- Sugarcane Processed: In recent seasons, the mill processed over 2.6 lakh tonnes of sugarcane, with plans to increase to about 3.35 lakh tonnes in upcoming seasons.
- Sugar Recovery Rate: The average sugar recovery rate is around 8.37%.
- Byproducts: Alongside sugar, the mill produces molasses and other related products.
- Cogeneration: The mill also operates a cogeneration plant with a capacity of 15 MW, producing power from byproducts like bagasse.
Farmers and Agriculture:
- The mill supports more than 28,000 registered farmers who cultivate sugarcane on thousands of acres around Kallakurichi and surrounding regions.
- It plays a vital role in the livelihoods of these farmers by providing timely payments and support.
Government Support:
- The Tamil Nadu government has provided financial incentives totaling over ₹37 crore in recent years to support the mill and its associated farming community.
Infrastructure:
- The milling plant features modern equipment including a 4 mill tandem with large rollers for efficient crushing.
- The facility continues to upgrade its technology to improve productivity and sustainability.
Future Development Plans:
- The mill is planning to set up a molasses-based distillery aimed at producing ethanol, bio-gas, and other value-added products.
- This diversification is expected to enhance the mill’s profitability and contribute to bioenergy initiatives.
Community Impact:
- Besides economic benefits, the mill provides employment opportunities to the local population.
- It actively supports agricultural development and regional growth through various initiatives.
Summary
Kallakurichi Co-operative Sugar Mill is a vital institution in Tamil Nadu’s sugar industry, combining traditional co-operative values with modern technology. It supports thousands of farmers, drives economic growth in the region, and is expanding into new areas like bioenergy to ensure sustainable development.
Overview
