HPCL to take over two sugar mills in Bihar

Patna: Bihar inched forward on the process of reviving and expanding the agro-based industries in the state with the signing of MoU between state government and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) for the take-over of two sugar mills at Sugauli and Lauriya.

These mills would start functioning in next two years.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Bihar government and HPCL, for the take-over of Sugauli sugar mill in East Champaran and Lauriya Sugar Mill in West Champaran for 60 years lease (which could be extended for next 30 years).

The Chief Minister, Mr Nitish Kumar, who was present on the occasion of MoU signing programme, said “it was a grand beginning as the gate which was closed has, now opened after three difficult years during which the government made serious efforts for th e revival of closed sugar mills”

Mr Kumar said the state's core competence was agriculture and hence the government wanted to establish agro-based industries in the state as it has great potential to flourish.

Thanking HPCL for keeping its words despite Centre's move on ethanol, Mr Kumar said “it is important for me that ethanol will be produced along with sugar from these two units of HPCL”.

Hinting towards Reliance Industries' bid on Motipur Sugar Mill in Muzaffarpur, he also expressed hope that the two successful private bidders would also come forward soon for the take-over of the mills.