LAHORE: The Punjab government has officially directed sugar mills to begin purchasing sugarcane and start crushing operations from November 15, 2026.
The decision was announced through an official notification issued after approval from the Governor of Punjab.
According to sources, sugar mills will determine sugarcane prices through a market-based pricing mechanism.
The latest Punjab announce directive aims to begin the sugarcane crushing season across the province.
However, the Sugar Mills Association has raised concerns about the government’s decision and the limited preparation time.
Punjab Sugarcane Cultivation Increases by 16 Percent
According to official sources, sugarcane cultivation in Punjab has increased significantly this year.
Around 2.452 million acres of agricultural land have been used for sugarcane cultivation across the province.
This represents a 16 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Punjab currently has 47 sugar mills, of which 41 are operational.
The Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection Department has assured farmers that their rights will remain protected.
Officials have also emphasized the importance of ensuring fair treatment for sugarcane growers during the crushing season.
Sugar Mills Association Raises Concerns Over Notification
The Sugar Mills Association of Pakistan’s North Zone has opposed the immediate implementation of the government’s notification.
The association stated that sugar mills require at least 15 days to prepare their equipment for crushing operations.
According to the association, the Sugarcane Act, 1950, allows mills to begin operations by November 30.
It explained that industrial boilers and heavy machinery require approximately two weeks of preparation before becoming fully operational.
The association also questioned the timing of the government’s decision.
It said the notification was issued at 9pm, leaving mills with insufficient time to complete preparations.
The association described the immediate implementation of the directive as impractical.
Sugar Mills Report 1.3 Million Tonnes of Surplus Sugar
The association also highlighted concerns regarding existing sugar stocks in Pakistan.
According to its statement, approximately 1.3 million tonnes of surplus sugar remain stored in sugar mill warehouses.
It further claimed that 100,000 tonnes of the government’s 300,000 tonnes of imported sugar remain unsold.
The association argued that existing sugar stocks should be cleared before the new crushing season begins.
It also reported that sugar mills had already paid billions of rupees in taxes and financial charges on unsold stocks.
The association expressed concerns about alleged errors in official sugar production figures.
It claimed that no accountability measures had been taken against officials allegedly responsible for providing incorrect information.
Sugar Mills Demand Permission to Export Surplus Sugar
The Sugar Mills Association has urged the Punjab government to reconsider the immediate implementation of its notification.
It has also demanded permission to export surplus sugar to reduce existing warehouse stocks.
Additionally, the association called for the complete deregulation of Pakistan’s sugar industry.
The latest Punjab announce decision has created differences between provincial authorities and sugar mill operators.
While the government has directed mills to begin operations on November 15, the association continues to raise operational concerns.
The situation has also brought attention to sugar production, market pricing, and existing stock management.
The Punjab announce notification remains in effect, although the association has requested changes to the implementation schedule.
In other news read more about Pakistan Approves Export of 100,000 Tonnes of Sugar Amid Policy Concerns
Further developments will depend on discussions between government authorities and sugar industry representatives.
