September 16: MS Group has said it will start production of refined sugar in Nepal from December this year.

The group, which will become the first to produce refined sugar in the country, has invested Rs 2 billion on it plant (Himalaya Refined Sugar Industry) in Panwadi, Siraha, and it will provide employment to 500 people.

Managing Director of the group Sashikant Agrawal said the plant will produce refined sugar without using sulfur and limestone. “Refined sugar can be used as an alternative to organic sugar, and it has a positive effect on human health,” he said.

According to Agrawal, refined sugar can be used in medicine as well as soft drinks. Manufactureres producing these items have been importing refined sugar from Thailand, Indian and Brasil till now.

Agrawal said the plant alone cost the company Rs 500 million to build. It has the capacity to 2,500 tonnes of sugarcane per day, and can produce 200 MT of sugar. The plant has been financed by NIC Asia and Nepal Investment banks.

MS group runs Reliance Spinning Mill (Birgunj), Bhagwati Steel (Biratnagar) and Everest Sugar Mill (Mahottari). It has also invested in the hotel business.