The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) Punjab Zone has issued a stern warning during an emergency meeting, revealing that the upcoming sugarcane crushing season is in jeopardy due to stringent regulations and surplus sugar stocks.
The PSMA has announced that with a staggering 1.25 million tons of surplus sugar in stock, it is impossible to commence the next crushing season unless comprehensive deregulation is achieved across both provincial and federal levels.
The association has strongly advocated for the sugar industry to be granted the same free-market privileges as the wheat, rice, and maize sectors.
During the meeting, PSMA representatives highlighted that the severe regulatory environment makes it unsustainable to initiate the crushing season.
The association emphasized that unless deregulation is implemented, particularly in line with the free-market operations enjoyed by other crop industries like wheat, rice, and maize, the sugarcane crushing season would remain suspended.
Moreover, they cautioned that starting the crushing season under these conditions could lead to financial losses for farmers, with their payments being potentially delayed due to the unsold surplus sugar in the market.
The PSMA’s demands underscore the urgent need for policy reforms to stabilize the sugar industry and ensure the protection of farmers’ livelihoods.
The association’s stance has brought to light the critical issues facing the sugar industry in Pakistan, calling for immediate government intervention to address these challenges.
