Ramya moots ethanol unit at PSSK

Former MP and actor Ramya on Sunday promised to discuss with the government to open an ethanol manufacturing unit at Pandavapura Sahakara Sakkare Kharkhane (PSSK) and also to convert existing loans under ‘Sugar Development Fund’ to fresh loans.

Speaking to media after visiting the PSSK, Ramya opined that following crash in sugar price, the need of the hour was to concentrate on manufacturing by-products, instead of depending only on sugar, she said. The factory has already submitted a proposal to the government seeking permission to start a power generation unit. If an ethanol unit is also opened, it will surely help in the development of the factory, she said.

Financial aid
Ethanol is in great demand in Sweden. If an agreement is made with the Swedish government, there are possibilities of getting financial support from them, she suggested. A discussion in this regard will be held with the State and Central governments, she added.

Ramya also suggested the managing director of the factory to submit a proposal seeking conversion of loans under ‘Sugar Development Fund’ to fresh loans. Factory president K S Nanjundegowda said the government  had released Rs six crore against separate proposal for Rs 30 crore for further investment and given Rs 85-crore financial aid.