Over 1 Lakh Bulls Spared as Animal Rahat Mechanises Sugarcane Transport in Maharashtra

Sangli, 13th February 2026: In a major development aimed at promoting humane and efficient agricultural practices, more than 100,000 bulls have been spared from hauling heavy sugarcane carts under the Sugar Factory Mechanisation Project led by Animal Rahat. The milestone comes ahead of Maha Shivratri and marks over a decade of sustained intervention in Maharashtra’s sugar industry.

Since 2011, Animal Rahat has worked with sugar factories across the state to replace bullock-driven carts with mechanised alternatives. The organisation has facilitated the deployment of over 18,850 tractors and 270 harvesters at 26 sugar factories in Maharashtra, significantly reducing dependence on animal labour.

According to data shared by the organisation, the project has introduced 13,063 mini tractors and 5,788 large tractors so far. Each tractor, capable of transporting between 8.5 and 18 tons of sugarcane per trip, has replaced multiple bullock carts. As a result, many bulls have been retired from active labour, with some allowed to live out the rest of their lives without being subjected to heavy hauling work.

Traditionally, a bullock cart pulled by two bulls weighing around 400 kg each carries up to four tons of sugarcane, despite legal load limits. In contrast, a mini tractor can transport approximately 8.5 tons per trip, while a large tractor can carry more than 18 tons. The shift to mechanisation has also benefited farmers and cart owners. Animal Rahat estimates that those who switch from bullock carts to tractors save nearly 20 percent of their time, allowing them to pursue additional income opportunities during the lean season and improving overall family welfare.

“Bulls are thinking, feeling beings, not equipment, and mechanising the sugarcane transport process is a win-win that helps spare these animals from back-breaking labour while improving efficiency,” said Dr Naresh Upreti, Chief Operating Officer of Animal Rahat.

He added that the organisation will continue to assist sugar producers in modernising operations and has urged leading brands and companies to ensure that forced animal labour is eliminated from their supply chains.

Apart from promoting mechanisation, Animal Rahat has introduced welfare measures for bulls still engaged in the industry. These include enforcing load limits, installing rubber mats at weigh stations and creating sand beds for hoof care to reduce injuries and discomfort. The organisation said it aims to help factories transition towards fully animal-free operations, with a long-term goal of relieving the estimated 200,000 bulls that continue to endure harsh working conditions.

Animal Rahat has also called on corporate buyers sourcing sugar from Maharashtra, including multinational companies operating through local partners, to prioritise procurement from mechanised suppliers to accelerate change.

The organisation operates with a team of veterinarians, veterinary assistants, animal caretakers and community educators. It provides veterinary care, rescues animals in distress, conducts awareness programmes to prevent cruelty and offers lifelong care to abandoned and retired animals at its sanctuaries.