History

The predicament of farmers and agriculture in 1966 was terrible throughout regions like Solapur that had been plagued by drought, with low yields, inadequate guidance, and deficient farming infrastructure. Visionary leadership in the form of the late Mr. Bhimrao Dada Mahadik ( Dada ) emerged from Yelur Sangali to enhance their plight and secure a means of subsistence. Dada turned out to be the community's sole hope for the drought-stricken farmers. A jack well from the river Bhima, which proved to be an incredible delight to the farmers and heralded the dawn of an entirely novel era of farming expansion and advancement, was his noteworthy discovery after analyzing the topographical characteristics and weather patterns of the region.

Beginning in 1974, sugarcane production gained tremendous pace, leading to superior yields and the swiftest expansion in the industry. Farmers were also enabled to market their cane for the highest prices attainable in the buyer's market. In response to this circumstance, Dada laid the groundwork for the MSEB substation and obtained the license for the Sarkar Karkhana, alongside periodic legitimate assistance from the late Mr. Vasant Dada Patil, the former chief minister. With Dada's pertinent endeavors and an abundance of hard work, Bhima Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd. was founded in the same year.

By 1982, the Bhima mill had grown into one of the most esteemed sugar mills in the globe, pursuant to its incredibly quick growth and high-quality production, sales, and marketing operations, as well as Dada's strong management skills.

In a few instances, though, a persistent drought made it challenging to operate the sugar mill as there wasn't an adequate sugarcane yield. As a result, the opposition group had the chance to deceive the populace by disparaging the mill and further subdue it by imposing its own agenda on the administrative authority.

The opposite party capitalized on the situation and began making money through Dada's invention, the sugar mill, by setting up separate mills and producing ethanol and other products, for more than 25 years, without contemplating what challenges Dada faced in creating the mill that was Dada's baby product, which had once grown into an international phenomenon.

After that, in 2007, his son and MP, Mr. Dhananjay Mahadik, gave the sugar mill sans resistance with the sole stipulation that a prominent statue of Dada be erected on the sugar mill grounds. This stipulation, however, was simply disregarded.

In 2011, all the members came together to end the 25-year power structure and election of Mr. Dhananjay Mahadik as the chairman of Bhima.

Along with contributing to bringing the mill the shape and definition it deserved, he also took major initiatives to elevate the welfare of its members by arranging several charitable events like the mass marriage programs, which significantly lessened the burden of having to marry off their daughters without having to worry about the harrowing marriage encounters endured by the farmers & members.

Numerous other substantial welfare initiatives, such as blood donation drives, programs for spiritual well-being, and various sports including Kusti (wrestling ) & cricket, have outstanding outcomes as well.

The magnificent statue of Dada that the entire Bhima group had always desired was placed on the estate, greatly beautifying it.

All of the members' crucial difficulties were entirely resolved in about five years. All of this led to a resounding triumph in 2016 when the Mahadik family won the election by a margin of over 5000 votes over their rivals. The sugar mill's scope was significantly broadened by Mr. Dhananjay Mahadik. The Bhima mill's employees and members were ecstatic about its comprehensive accomplishment.

However, the ongoing drought situation reduced sugarcane production once more, and the COVID-19 lockdown caused the mill to temporarily close, which had a detrimental effect on the mill's finances. It was at this juncture that the opponents had another opportunity to take control of the Bhima Mill's operations. Where the Godown was fully stocked with sugar worth Rs 72 crores, they forcibly stopped the transactions and locked the Godown.

They also executed RRC solely as a kind of political retaliation against the Mahadik Family. Due to opponents' intransigence, payments to workers and farmers were delayed for almost three years. By providing false information on sugar production and its stock, they further defamed the mill, prompting it to be shut down entirely. By taking out a loan against his personal property, Mr. Dhananjay Mahadik then cleverly conquered the nasty game of the rivals and made the forthcoming sugarcane season a big success!

Without any subproducts, sugarcane was sold for a record-breaking 2200 per ton in the years 2021-2022. Profitability and transparency in all areas of operation improved Bhima Mill's reputation in the neighborhood.

Mr. Dhananjay Mahadik received the BJP Loksabha ticket by taking note of this enormous success. This further motivated him to address all pressing issues associated with the development and success of Bhima Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana.

By leveraging his and his sons' competencies and realizing synergies through our global presence, he aspires to transform Bhima Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana into one of the top sugar mills in the world.