LAHORE: 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.
