Second Sugar Mill, Dharashiv’s Lokmangal Mauli Industries, Earns PETA India’s ‘Bull-Free’ Certification

Dharashiv’s Lokmangal Mauli Industries Ltd. of Solapur’s Lokmangal Group is the second sugar mill to join the PETA India “100% Bull-Free” certification—an initiative that recognises sugar mills for fully eliminating the use of bull labour from their operations. The first mill to join the certification scheme was Jai Hind Sugar Pvt Ltd. at the beginning of June.

These steps mark 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. The certification supports Animal Rahat’s Sugarcane Industry Mechanization Project, which is helping mills transition to mechanized alternatives such as tractors—freeing bulls from the gruelling labour of hauling heavy sugarcane carts.

Credit: PETA India

“We are proud to receive PETA India’s 100% Bull-Free certification. Our commitment to mechanising sugarcane transport reflects our focus on modernity and efficiency and belief that technology and growth should benefit everyone – workers and animals alike.” – Mr Mahesh Deshmukh, Chairman, Lokmangal Mauli Industries Ltd. 

Bulls are highly social animals who forge deep bonds with other bulls and cows and can become stressed when separated from them. Yet in the sugar industry, bulls endure excruciating conditions, pulling overloaded carts under the blazing hot sun with minimal rest, food, or water. The bulls are often forced to carry up to double the legal weight and are subjected to violent methods of control using nose ropes and sharp tools such as cylindrical spikes, nail-studded spikes, and barbed wire, resulting in frequent injuries.

Eliminating the use of bullock carts is not only humane but also a practical and profitable decision. By replacing bullock carts with tractors and trucks, sugar mills allow bulls to retire, eliminate animal abuse, improve transport efficiency and safety, and enhance the income and working conditions for families involved in sugarcane transport, many of whom migrate with bullocks from impoverished areas during the harvest season, and who face a range of difficulties. Each tractor can transport 8 to 18 tons per trip and can replace multiple bulls, giving owners valuable time to explore other income opportunities.

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