27sugar mills across the province have started crushing as per the government’s November 15 deadline, announced the Cane Commissioner of Punjab. The announcement followed a strict warning to mills that had not begun operations by Sunday, reports Daily Times.
The Punjab government had earlier set November 15 as the mandatory date for mills to begin crushing, with the Cane Commissioner reiterating that action would be taken against any mill delaying the process. While 27 mills have already complied, the remaining 14 will be inspected today, and proceedings will be initiated against those still not operational.
According to the commissioner, mills failing to start crushing by Sunday will face a fine of Rs 1 million per day until they comply. A detailed enforcement plan has been rolled out, including the formation of special monitoring teams to ensure timely payments to farmers and to stabilize sugar prices as fresh stocks enter the market.
Meanwhile, Kisan Ittehad Chairman Khalid Bath alleged that some mill owners were intentionally delaying the crushing season to procure sugarcane at lower rates. He said this tactic was putting undue pressure on farmers, who were being forced to sell their crop at reduced prices.
Sugar is currently retailing at Rs 200–229 per kg across the country. The Cane Commissioner assured that farmers would receive timely payments during the crushing season.
