Shri Hiranyakeshi Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane Niyamit, Sankeshwar
Shri Hiranyakeshi Sahakari Sakkare Karkhane Niyamit, Sankeshwar is one of the pioneers in the Cooperative Sugar Industries in the State of Karnataka, being on the boundary of Karnataka-Maharashtra States. The idea of establishing a sugar factory in the Cooperative Sector was first originated in the minds of Late Shri Appanagouda Patil, the Chief Promoter of this factory and Late Shri M.P.Patil, the then Minister for Cooperation, Bombay State with the following prime aims and objects:
ee) to uplift the rural economy,
ff) to facilitate the credit facilities,
gg) to facilitate thrift among the rural people,
hh) to arrange and supply agricultural implements,
ii) to liaison between the factory and the cane growers, and
jj) to act as link between the rural people and Banks.
The Industrial Licence No.L.8/55 dt.05.01.1955 was obtained from the Govt. of India. The Society came into existence vide Registration No.G-277 , dt.10.09.1956 and the first trial crushing season commenced in the year 1961.
The area of operation of the factory extends to 233 villages in Karnataka State and 77 villages in Maharashtra State within a radius of 22 miles. Since the factory has its members both in Karnataka and Maharashtra, it is governed by the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act.
This area was underdeveloped before the establishment of this factory. Now, following the establishment, there is lot of progress achieved which is apparent. The social status of the agricultural community has improved largely and Sankeshwar town is made visible on the Karnataka map significantly. This has resulted in recognising the Belagavi District as "Sweet Sugar District"