The sugarcane crushing factory at Dharbandora has been in the news since 2019 when the government suspended the operations. Though it is one of the oldest factories in Goa, yet it is struggling to find its feet for various reasons. A few days back the farmers blocked the Ponda-Belagavi National Highway demanding a written assurance on restarting of the factory. The government had informed the farmers that no party is interested to start an ethanol plant due to the present condition of the factory nor sugar could be produced due to less cultivation of sugarcane in Goa.
An alternative is that the sugarcane growers co-operative could explore the feasibility of establishing, procuring raw materials, running and maintaining an ethanol production plant. Since the government is willing to help them, the factory could be given on lease for 5 years and with the assistance of experts the farmers could start ethanol production. This Atmanirbhar step would provide the farmers and their families with jobs and income.
