Solapur: A sugar mill in Maharashtra's Solapur district has become one of the first in the country to receive a '100 per cent bull-free certification' from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India (PETA India) after completely eliminating the use of bulls in its sugarcane transportation operations.

The certification was awarded to Jai Hind Sugar Pvt Ltd, located in Achegaon, for replacing bullock-driven sugarcane transport with fully mechanised alternatives, PTI reported.

According to PETA India, the certification recognises sugar mills that have removed bull labour from all operational activities, including the hauling of sugarcane-loaded carts. The initiative reflects growing interest among domestic and international sugar buyers in animal-free and mechanised supply chains, driven by concerns related to animal welfare and working conditions.

The certification is linked to the Sugarcane Industry Mechanization Project being implemented by Animal Rahat, which supports sugar mills in shifting from animal-powered transportation to mechanised systems such as tractors.

Chairman of Jai Hind Sugar, Ganesh Mane Deshmukh, said the mill was proud to be among the first sugar producers to receive the recognition. He noted that replacing bullock-driven transportation with mechanised systems has improved operational efficiency while creating a more animal-friendly work environment.

Deshmukh added that the transition is also expected to benefit workers by improving overall workplace conditions.

PETA India Senior Manager of Corporate Projects Kiran Ahuja praised the sugar mill for eliminating animal labour and said the initiative could encourage other sugar producers to adopt similar practices.

Speaking about the transition, vice chairman Vikramsinh Patil said bulls have traditionally been used to transport sugarcane from farms to mills. However, he noted that animals often suffer injuries after slipping on paved village roads.