Following clear and strict directives from the Punjab government, all 41 sugar mills across the province have formally commenced crushing operations. This long-awaited start comes after significant delay.
Sources from the Cane Commissioner confirm that even the 12 Lahore-based mills that were lagging in purchasing sugarcane and starting their machinery have now begun buying from farmers and running their crushers.
The immediate consequence of the crushing season beginning is the expectation of new supply entering the market. Market sources suggest that this influx of fresh sugar could lead to an immediate price reduction of up to Rs10 per kilogram in the coming days, offering much-needed relief to consumers.
Officials believe that this new production will be crucial in ending the "black market" sale of sugar and eliminating the artificial shortages that have plagued consumers.
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The provincial government had previously issued warnings, stating that failure to meet the specified crushing deadline would result in action against the defaulting mills.
While the mills have complied following the final government orders, the Chairman of the Kisan Etihad (Farmers’ Union), Khalid Bath, accused mill owners of deliberate action. He alleged that the delay in starting crushing was intentional, designed to force farmers to sell their sugarcane at cheaper prices.
Bath emphasized that the financial burden caused by these crushing delays disproportionately falls on small farmers. He urged the government to closely monitor the situation to protect farmers' interests. Now that the mill owners have started crushing after the government’s firm stance, attention shifts to ensuring fair procurement from the farmers and sustained relief for consumers.
The government’s forceful intervention successfully triggered the start of crushing, which should provide quick price relief. However, the serious allegations that mill owners intentionally delayed crushing to buy sugarcane cheaply indicate a need for robust regulatory oversight to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable farmers.
