“The Cooperative sector is fast emerging as the one of the leading players towards the strengthening of the economic structure of Punjab and the farmers form the backbone of this success saga.” The views were expressed here today by the Cooperation Minister, Punjab, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa while meeting the newly elected Board of Directors of the Bhogpur Cooperative Sugar Mills Ltd.The minister further divulged that the Bhogpur mill currently being operated with steam engine is undergoing the process of refurbishment as well as expansion in the aftermath of which it would be the major money spinner in the cooperative sector. Detailing more, S. Randhawa said that after expansion, the sugarcane crushing capacity would increase upto 3000 TCD (30000 Quintal) per day from the current level of 1016 TCD (10160 Quintal) per day. The minister also added that the commissioning post refurbishment is likely to be held in April this year and the by the time of next year the mill would run full throttle.Elaborating more, the minister said that after the expansion and renovation the mill would be able to crush the sugarcane of 365 villages falling in reserve areas of Bhogpur.
Not only this but a co-generation plant of 15 MW capacity also being established in the mill itself. Out of these 15 MW, 9MW would be sold to the PSPCL at a rate of Rs. 6.29 per unit in accordance with an agreement inked with the latter which is for 20 years.S. Randhawa also disclosed that once the co-generation plant gets underway, it would yield a profit of Rs. 25 crore every year.The minister also expressed the strong hope that after being equipped with the latest technology, the mill would attain the numero uno status amongst all the cooperative mills and would also be at par with the private mills.On the occasion, the minister felicitated the Board of Directors who also presented a bouquet to the minister.Among others present on the occasion included Mr. Sangat Singh Gilzian MLA (Urmar), Dr. Raj Kumar MLA (Chabbewal), Mr. Arun Dogra MLA (Dasuya) and General Manager, The Bhogpur Cooperative Sugar Mills Ltd. Mr. Bhupinder Singh Gill.