Sugar output crosses 1.7MMT mark in Punjab
Punjab has produced over 1.712 MMT of sugar this crushing season after processing 18.647 MMT of sugarcane, aided by early crushing and strict penalties. Total availability stands at 1.824 MMT, with Rs165 billion paid to farmers and higher cane prices boosting grower returns.
LAHORE: Punjab has produced more than 1.712 million metric tonnes of sugar so far during the ongoing crushing season, following the processing of over 18.647 million metric tonnes of sugarcane, said Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection Dr Kiran Khurshid said.
She said timely and strict policy measures adopted by the Punjab government ensured an early start to crushing from November 15, which played a key role in achieving record production figures. Sugar mills that failed to commence crushing on schedule were penalised Rs 5 million per day.
According to the secretary, early crushing resulted in record cane processing, translating into higher sugar output during the current season. In addition to fresh production, carry-forward stocks of 112,116 metric tonnes of sugar were already available at the start of the season.
Dr Khurshid said total sugar availability in Punjab stood at 1.824 million metric tonnes, out of which 790,638 metric tonnes had been released into the market, while 1.033 million metric tonnes remained in reserves.
Highlighting farmer payments, she said sugar mills had made record payments of over Rs 165 billion to growers this season, accounting for 99.84 percent of total dues, compared to 85 percent during the previous season.
She added that sugarcane was purchased at Rs 436 per 40 kilograms this year, against Rs 387 per 40 kilograms last year, reflecting the Punjab government’s farmer-friendly policy framework.
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Source : Business Recorder
