LAHORE: In compliance with the Punjab government’s directive, 27 sugar mills have commenced sugarcane crushing, while defaulters risk penalties, officials said on Monday. The Punjab Sugar Factories (Control) Act 1950 mandates the start of crushing from November 15, and mills failing to comply will face action.
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The Punjab cane commissioner warned that mills not launching crushing by Monday will incur a daily fine of Rs1 million. Monitoring teams have been established to inspect operations and ensure adherence to the notification.
Among the mills that have started operations are Makka, Madina, Baba Farid, Hunza, Ramzan, Noon, Chiniot, Tariq Corporation, Safina, Hunza Jhang, Kashmir, Layyah, Tandlianwala, Joharabad, and Seven Star. Eleven more sugar mills are expected to begin crushing later this week.
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The price control and commodities management department noted that the crushing season would help stabilise sugar prices and assured farmers that district-level desks have been established to ensure prompt payments. Weekly monitoring reports will be submitted by deputy commissioners to track compliance and progress.