Dharashiv sugar mill gets ‘100% bull-free’ certification in a first for Marathwada

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Dharashiv-based Lokmangal Mauli Industries Limited has become the first sugar mill in Marathwada to achieve ‘100% bull-free’ certification. It is only the second sugar mill in Maharashtra after Jai Hind Sugar Pvt Limited, Solapur to get such a certification from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India.The certification supports ‘Animal Rahat’s Sugarcane Industry Mechanization Project,’ which helps mills transition to mechanized alternatives such as tractors, freeing bulls from the gruelling labour of hauling heavy sugarcane carts.PETA India’s senior manager of corporate projects, Kiran Ahuja, said the certification is an initiative that recognises sugar mills for fully eliminating the use of bull labour from their operations.

The compliance marks the growing demand from international and Indian sugar buyers for animal-free and wholly mechanised sugar-supply systems, driven by animal and human welfare concerns.“Consumers around the world are demanding that bulls should not be made to suffer for the sake of sugar when better, humane alternatives exist. PETA India’s bull-free certification empowers sugar buyers to meet the demand for ethically sourced sugar,” he said.

Mahesh Deshmukh, Chairman, Lokmangal Mauli Industries Limited, said he feels proud to receive PETA India’s ‘100% bull-free’ certification.“Our commitment to mechanising sugarcane transport reflects our focus on modernity, efficiency and the belief that technology and growth should benefit everyone, both workers and animals alike,” he said.PETA India said bulls endure excruciating conditions like pulling overloaded carts under the blazing hot sun with minimal rest, food, or water. The bulls are also allegedly subjected to violent methods of control using nose ropes and sharp tools such as cylindrical and nail-studded spikes, and barbed wire.Jai Hind Sugar Pvt Limited, Solapur had received ‘100% bull-free’ certification earlier this month, according to PETA India.