Riga Sugar Mill Revival: Nirani Sugars Restarts Operations and Expands After 4 Years
The ancient Riga Sugar Mill, one of India’s oldest sugar plants founded in 1933, reopened on Thursday after a four-year sabbatical. Under the direction of Nirani Sugars, the MRN Group’s flagship company, the mill officially began sugar operations for the 2024-25 season. This historic event also laid the groundwork for an ambitious expansion project that demonstrates a commitment to sustainable growth and regional development.
The mill’s rehabilitation involves comprehensive plans for refurbishment and expansion:
– Increased sugar crushing capacity from 5,000 to 10,000 TCD.
– Integrated a multi-feed distillery, increasing capacity from 45 to 545 KLPD.
– Increased cogeneration capacity from 11 MW to 50 MW – Established a 20 TPD greenfield compressed biogas unit.
The revival, led by Karnataka-based Nirani Sugars, was celebrated in a grand ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries, including Bihar Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar, Union Minister Shri Prahlad Joshi, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Vijay Sinha and Shri Samrat Choudhary, along with other key leaders such as Energy Minister Shri Bijendra Yadav, Industries Minister Shri Nitish Mishra, Sugarcane Industries Minister Shri Krishnanandan Paswan, and Labour Resources Minister S Members of Parliament, the Legislative Assembly, and local representatives were also present, demonstrating the project’s strong political and community support.
Riga Sugar Mill, which began under British supervision, was later bought by the Dhanuka Group and became a cornerstone of North Bihar’s agro-industrial sector. For decades, the mill has contributed significantly to sugar production and rural life. However, financial issues forced its closure in 2019, and the firm began insolvency procedures. Nirani Sugars’ purchase has given the mill new life, giving farmers, workers, and the community optimism.
In his remarks, Dr Murugesh Nirani, Founder and Chairman of the MRN Group, stressed the significance of the revival: “This acquisition represents a significant milestone for the MRN Group and reflects our commitment to fostering industrial growth and supporting Bihar’s prosperity.” We are happy to support the Bihar government’s ambition for inclusive and sustainable growth. This is our sixth initiative to resuscitate a faltering sugar facility, and we are convinced that with our team’s hard work and community support, we can achieve the same success here.”
Speaking at the event, Vishal Nirani, Director of Nirani Sugars, stated: “This purchase is more than just establishing a foothold in another state or increasing our footprint on the Indian sugar industry map. Through this rebirth and development, we hope to build a paradigm that benefits everyone, from farmers and workers to the larger community. Bihar has enormous potential due to its lush soil, hardworking farmers, and a government that actively promotes industrial development. The mill’s reopening not only revitalizes a major industrial base but also paves the path for revolutionary growth in North Bihar’s agricultural and industrial sectors.”