Punjab authorities have announced action against sugar mills that have failed to start crushing despite government orders.
The Punjab Cane Commissioner declared today that enforcement measures will begin against mills that have not commenced operations. The move comes as only five out of 41 sugar mills in Punjab have started crushing, despite the government setting a deadline of November 15.
“The only mills that have started crushing are owned by the Sharif family,” the Cane Commissioner said, warning that delays by other mill owners could push sugar prices even higher.
Sugar prices across the country are currently ranging between Rs 200 and Rs 229 per kilogram, reaching record highs.
Khalid Bath, Chairman of the Farmers’ Alliance, accused mill owners of deliberately delaying crushing to purchase sugarcane at lower prices. “This delay harms farmers and drives up retail sugar prices,” he said.
The Punjab government had urged all sugar mills to begin crushing by the set deadline to stabilize the market and protect both farmers and consumers.
