New Delhi, Dec 18 (IANS): Jaiprakash R. Salunke Dandegaonkar was unanimously elected as the President of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. at the apex Sugar Body's 214th meeting of the Board of Directors on Friday.

Dandegaonkar succeeds Dilip Walse Patil, who had resigned as the President of NFCSF on becoming the Cabinet Minister of State Government of Maharashtra, said the co-operative sugar industry body in a statement.

A former State Minister of Cooperation and Textile in the Government of Maharashtra & having put in many years in public service majority of which have been closely associated with the development of sugar sector, Dandegaonkar is also the current Chairman of the Maharashtra State Cooperative Sugar Factories Federation Ltd.

He is also the founder Chairman of Purna Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., Distt-Hingoli, Maharashtra. As a senior leader of the Cooperative Sugar sector, Dandegaonkar has contributed significantly towards the growth and development of Indian Sugar sector, one of the few heavily controlled industries in India.

As a senior Director of NFCSF, he has been advocating for dynamic reforms in this industry.

On his election as President, Dandegaonkar said, "I assure all Directors and members of the federation to provide an effective voice to the Indian cooperative sugar sector. I will work with central and state Governments and other stakeholders to facilitate effective resolution of various issues that are confronting the cane growers and cooperative sugar millers which includes suitable MSP, reducing huge cane arrears, forming suitable modalities for timely payment of FRP, timely market/export assistance, diversification of sugar mills etc. I will also work with the Board of Directors to push for a customized financial package to enhance the general, financial and commercial efficiency of cooperative sugar mills across India."

Dilip Walse Patil, Minister of Excise and Labour, Government of Maharashtra and Former President of NFCSF said, "I welcome him as the new President of NFCSF. He is one of the prominent cooperative sugar industry leaders and an able administrator. I am sure, under his leadership, the federation will bring in a new sense of dynamism and determination to create a strong and vibrant cooperative sugar industry pan India."

Prakash Naiknavare, Managing Director, NFCSF, said, "Dandegaonkar is a seasoned leader and administrator. It will be my privilege to work under him to take NFCSF to new heights."