India's Centre launches revival plan for 19 closed cooperative sugar mills in Maharashtra

The central government of India has announced a scheme to revive 19 cooperative sugar mills in Maharashtra that have been shut for years. The plan requires the state government to submit detailed financial data on each mill, including assets, loans and dues. After reviewing the balance sheets, the mills may be restored through reinvestment, direct financial assistance or public‑private partnership models. The National Cooperative Development Corporation will coordinate the effort, with major cooperatives such as Amul and IFFCO expected to participate.

The closures affect 19 of the state's 210 sugar mills, with the Solapur division accounting for the most. Several mills carry debts ranging from tens of crores to over a thousand crores, leaving farmers, workers and transporters in distress. The revival initiative aims to alleviate the rural economy’s strain and generate new local employment.