Bihar targets 25 new sugar mills to drive industrial growth

The Indian state of Bihar is launching a major initiative to transform its sugarcane sector into an industrial engine. Through the Bihar Sugarcane Investment Policy 2026, the state government aims to attract domestic and international investors to establish 25 new sugar mills and a network of downstream industries. The strategy focuses on expanding beyond traditional sugar production to include ethanol, electricity generation, and bio-energy.

At a conference in New Delhi, officials emphasized providing government support for land acquisition and project approvals to streamline industrial implementation. The goal is to increase value-added opportunities from sugarcane by-products, potentially boosting rural employment and income.

Broadening the scope of the industry, experts at the Indian Sugar & Bio-energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) Conference 2026 suggested that India could leverage sugarcane to enhance chemical security. By developing integrated biorefineries, the country could produce high-value biochemicals such as polylactic acid (PLA), lactic acid, and biobutanol, reducing reliance on imported chemical products.