The sugar crisis in Punjab is facing a new complication after the vast majority of sugar mills failed to comply with the government’s mandated deadline to commence sugarcane crushing, raising concerns over market stability and farmer exploitation.
The provincial government had set November 15 as the deadline for all mills to begin operations. However, according to sources, only 5 out of 41 sugar mills adhered to the directive, with the remaining 36 effectively defying the provincial administration’s orders.
This non-compliance carries immediate economic consequences for the consumer. Market analysts fear that the delay in crushing could lead to a further increase of Rs. 3 to Rs. 4 per kilogram in sugar prices. Already, sugar is selling at a high rate of Rs. 200 to Rs. 215 per kg in various cities across Punjab.
Responding to the widespread defiance, the Cane Commissioner announced that action would be initiated against all non-compliant sugar mills starting tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Khalid Baith, Chairman of the Kissan Ittehad (Farmers’ Alliance), alleged that the mill owners are intentionally delaying the process. He claimed this tactic is designed to exert pressure on farmers, compelling them to sell their sugarcane at below-market prices. Government intervention is now being deemed essential to protect both the farmers and the consumers from exploitation and escalating inflation.
