Federal government enforces uniform November 15 start date to protect farmers, ensure timely payments, and curb delays by sugar mills.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s sugarcane crushing season officially begins today, November 15, following a federal directive requiring all sugar mills nationwide to commence operations on the same date.
The decision—finalized during a meeting of the Sugar Advisory Board earlier this week—aims to safeguard farmers, prevent unnecessary delays, and ensure timely payments to sugarcane growers.
The meeting was chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, and attended by representatives of sugar mill owners, senior agriculture officials from all provinces, and other relevant government departments.
Minister Hussain said the uniform start date was agreed upon after extensive consultation with provincial governments and industry stakeholders. He emphasized that the synchronized opening is intended to protect growers from financial loss and ensure a stable start to the crushing season.
Issuing a stern warning, the minister said:
“Any sugar mill that does not begin operations on this date will face serious consequences from the government.”
The meeting also reviewed mechanisms to strengthen coordination between mill owners and farmers, with officials mapping out operational plans to ensure smooth functioning throughout the new season. The federal government’s enforcement of the nationwide November 15 start date marks a significant step toward improving transparency, consistency, and farmer protection in Pakistan’s sugar sector.
