The Cane Commissioner Punjab announced that 27 sugar mills across the province have begun crushing as per the government’s deadline of November 15. The announcement came after a stern warning was issued to mills that failed to start crushing by Sunday.
The Punjab government had previously set November 15 as the deadline for sugar mills to commence crushing, and the Cane Commissioner emphasized that strict action would be taken against any mills that delayed the process.
As of now, 27 sugar mills in Punjab have complied with the directive and started crushing. However, the Cane Commissioner mentioned that the remaining 14 mills will be inspected on Sunday, and action will be taken against those found in violation.
The Cane Commissioner also outlined the measures that would be implemented: mills failing to start crushing by Sunday will be fined Rs. 1 million per day until they comply. A detailed action plan has been put in place to enforce the rules, with special teams formed to monitor the crushing season. These teams will also ensure that farmers are paid promptly for their sugarcane and that the price of sugar will stabilize as new supplies reach the market.
Meanwhile, Khalid Bath, Chairman of Kisan Ittehad, has raised concerns that sugar mill owners are deliberately delaying the crushing season in order to buy sugarcane at lower prices. This delay, according to Bath, is putting undue pressure on farmers, who are now forced to sell their produce at reduced rates.
The Punjab Cane Commissioner has announced that action will begin today against sugar mills that have not started crushing, with 27 mills already operational.
The Punjab government had set a November 15 deadline for mills to commence crushing. The commissioner stated that the remaining 14 mills will be inspected today, and proceedings will be initiated against those still not crushing.
An action plan has been prepared for non-compliant mills, which will face a daily fine of Rs 1 million if they fail to start crushing.
During the crushing season, monitoring teams have been formed to ensure timely payment to farmers for their sugarcane, and the new sugar supply is expected to help reduce market prices.
Meanwhile, Farmers’ Alliance Chairman Khalid Bath said that some mill owners are delaying crushing to purchase sugarcane at lower prices.
Currently, sugar is being sold across the country at Rs 200-229 per kilogram. The Punjab Cane Commissioner reiterated that farmers will receive timely payments for their produce.