The Someswara Cooperative Sugar Factory near Siddasamudra in Bailhongal taluk has set a target to crush 3.50 lakh metric tons of sugarcane during the 2026-27 season. Factory President Basavaraja Balekundragi, who presided over the inaugural ceremony held on Thursday, urged farmers to supply high-quality cane in larger quantities to meet this goal.
Addressing the gathering, Basavaraja noted that a shortage of sugarcane is evident in the current season. He stated that arrangements have been made for cane cutting gangs to ensure farmers face no inconvenience and called for their full cooperation. He emphasized that the factory’s board members, workers, and staff must also strive to facilitate the supply of cane in greater volumes.
Director Prakash Moogabasava paid tribute to the late R.C. Balekundragi, describing him as a pillar of the factory whose services were immense. He remarked that establishing an institution in the cooperative sector is not easy and that the factory continues to provide good service to farmers despite competition from private units. Moogabasava stressed that the factory must pay the government-fixed rate to cane growers and appealed to farmers to supply more cane and cooperate with future plans.
The event was attended by Gangadhar Swamiji of Hosur Guru Madivala Swamigalu Math, Dr. Mahanteshashastri of Aradri Math, and Basavalinga Swamiji of Rudrakshi Math, along with the deity of Hunashikatti Channabasava. Factory Vice President Mahabaleshwar Kudasomanavar and Managing Director Ashok Bommanavar were present, with the latter delivering the welcome address. Other attendees included directors Mahantesh Mattikoppa, Umesh Bali, Rachappa Matti, Kartik Mallur, Ashok Yaragoppa, Mallappa Ashtagi, Anita Metagudd, Kasturi Somnatti, Adrishappa Kotabagi, Ashok Balekundragi, Ramachandra Kakkayyanavar, Sannabhimashepp Ambadagatti, Rajashekar Ettinmani, Srishaila Sharappanavar, Shivananda Dootagundi, Basappa Bolagoudra, Srishaila Moogabasava, Mahantesh Turamari, and Siddanagoud Patil. Workers, staff, and farmers participated in the function, and Babu Khandoji performed a farmer’s song.
