Chaudhry Haseeb Anwar, Chairman of the Kisan Ittehad (Farmers’ Union), has called on the government to set the support price of sugarcane at Rs. 600 per maund, citing exploitation and unfair treatment of farmers.

Speaking to the media in Multan, Anwar criticized sugar mill owners for purchasing sugarcane at significantly low rates during the current crushing season, while sugar prices in the open market have now skyrocketed. “This is blatant exploitation,” he said. “Farmers must be paid what they rightfully deserve.”

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Farmer organizations argue that the current rate for sugarcane is not enough to cover the basic costs of production. Despite continuous increases in the prices of essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, and water, sugarcane rates have remained unchanged. This has pushed farmers into serious financial distress.

Anwar urged the government to take immediate action, warning that farmers will be left with no option but to launch protests if their demands are not met.

Kisan Ittehad also announced plans to begin a nationwide movement to push for the price hike, emphasizing that this is a matter of survival for the country’s growers.

The retail price of sugar has seen a sharp rise in recent days, drawing concern not only from consumers but also from farmers, who say they are being left behind in a system tilted in favor of industrialists.