Bihar Sugar Mills Revival: Chanpatia Farmers See New Hope as State Plans to Reopen Closed Units
The Bihar government’s decision to reopen nine closed sugar mills has sparked fresh optimism among sugarcane farmers in West Champaran and nearby districts, with growers in Chanpatia expressing particular hope for a turnaround in their long-standing struggles. The proposed revival of the historic Chanpatia sugar mill is being seen as a potential lifeline for both farmers and former mill workers who have faced decades of uncertainty.
Chanpatia and surrounding areas were once major centres of sugarcane cultivation, where the crop formed the backbone of the rural economy. The local sugar mill provided farmers with a nearby and reliable market, ensuring stable demand and timely payments. However, the mill’s closure in the early 1990s triggered a gradual collapse of sugarcane farming in the region, forcing many cultivators to shift to less profitable crops.
Although five sugar mills are currently operational in West Champaran at Bagaha, Lauriya, Ramnagar, Narkatiaganj and Majhwalia, farmers say large-scale sugarcane cultivation remains difficult. Transporting cane over long distances significantly increases costs, while delays in harvesting and deductions in weight at distant mills further reduce earnings. As a result, many farmers have either reduced sugarcane acreage or abandoned the crop altogether.
Official records show that the Chanpatia sugar mill was established in 1932 during the British era and was among the oldest in Bihar. Its decline began around 1990, leading to complete closure by 1994. A cooperative-led revival attempt in 1998 failed due to poor coordination between management and farmers, after which the mill remained shut and gradually fell into disrepair.
Former Chanpatia MLA and Union minister of state Satish Chandra Dubey has alleged that several sugar mills in Bihar were closed during the Lalu-Rabri period. He stated that the NDA government is now working to revive nine closed mills, including those at Chanpatia in West Champaran, Chakia in East Champaran and Sasamusa in Gopalganj.
Farmers say the reopening of the Chanpatia mill could significantly reduce transport costs and restore confidence in sugarcane cultivation. Former mill employees have also welcomed the announcement, saying it could bring back jobs and revive local economic activity that vanished after the factory shut down.
The state cabinet has also announced plans to establish 25 new sugar mills along with reviving closed units, raising expectations of renewed livelihoods and employment opportunities across sugarcane-growing belts of Bihar.
Final Thoughts
The proposed revival of closed sugar mills like Chanpatia reflects a long-overdue recognition of the economic distress faced by Bihar’s sugarcane farmers. While policy announcements raise expectations, the real test will lie in timely execution, transparent management, and assured payments to farmers. If implemented effectively, the reopening of these mills could restore confidence in sugarcane cultivation, revive rural employment, and rebuild local economies that have struggled for decades. The coming months will determine whether this promise turns into sustainable change on the ground.
