The sugarcane growers in the State were really encouraged by the
announcement in 1954 by the then Bombay State Government of the 12 places in the State where sugar factories could be established,
with an offer of Government share capital contribution of Rs.10 lacs each if Co-operative Societies are organised for the same. The announcement fetched rush of application from about 16 Co-operative Societies. A meeting of the Promoters held
in the office of the Bombay State Co-operative Bank formed a Central Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. Dhananjayrao Gadgil
for guidance the Societies about the important issues like share capital, sugarcane area, irrigation, site selection, land,
transport facilities etc. State Government also appointed a Cabinet Sub-Committee for Co-operative sugar factories. With the
increase in number of Co-operative sugar factories and the tremendous response received from co-operators, need of apex Institutions
to guide and advise the Societies was felt. Hence on 11/2/1956 Bombay State Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Sangh was registered when 14
factories (inclusive of a Khedut Factory from Surat Dist.) were affiliated.
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Sugarcane, to which all the references
refer, is a member of the grass family. It can grow up to 15 feet tall, with leaves at the top and a hollow stalk filled with a
sweet juice or sap from which sugar can be extracted. A perenial tropical plant, it grows best in very warm climates. It is ready
for harvesting after 10 to 12 months. |