ISLAMABAD, October 22 (INP-WealthPK): Rate of sugarcane should be fixed at PKR 400 per 40 kg by the government for the sugar mills to start production by November 15. The demand was put forward by the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA).
Addressing a press conference, the SCA General Secretary and Member of Sugar Cane Advisory Board Zahid Bhurgari said “the floods have hit the sugarcane crop very hard. We cannot meet our expenses if we are not given a minimum price of PKR 400 per 40 kg. If our demand for the said price is not met, we will not be able to produce any sugar. Sugar cane is still standing on a lot of acres of land and farmers are waiting for the government to announce the acceptance of our price.”
“Also, the government needs to take immediate measures to drain the floodwater out of cities and villages so that resumption of normal life can take place. If the sugarcane crop gets late wheat will not be harvested on time and productivity will decrease. Sugar traders have abundant reserves of sugar and the federal government should allow the export of sugar,” he continued.
“If one million metric tons of sugar is allowed to export by the government, sugar mills will be able to pay off their debts to government and banks, and will also be able to pay the dues of farmers on time. The target of wheat production may not be met. The government has set a target of 43 million metric tons. Whereas, the capacity to produce is only 2 million right now. If wheat sowing gets late the latter number will further come down and increase the food insecurity in the country,” he added.
He urged the Sindh government to call an urgent meeting of the Sugar Cane Control Board and fix the support price of sugarcane at at least PKR 400 per 40 kg. He also stressed the need to start the operations of sugar mills by November 15.
