ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced that the sugarcane crushing season across the country will begin on November 15, 2025, following detailed consultations with provincial authorities, the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), and other key stakeholders.
The decision was finalized during a meeting of the Sugar Advisory Board held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain. The session was attended by Cane Commissioners from all provinces, representatives from the Ministries of Industries and Production and Commerce, and a PSMA delegation led by Chaudhary Zaka Ashraf.
According to official sources, the decision aims to protect the interests of sugarcane growers, ensure the timely availability of sugar in the domestic market, and stabilize sugar prices ahead of the peak consumption period. The government emphasized that strict action would be taken against any sugar mill that fails to commence crushing by the notified date.
“The government’s foremost priority is to safeguard farmers and prevent their exploitation,” the official statement read. “All provincial authorities have been directed to ensure monitoring of crushing operations and timely payments to growers.”
It was further underscored that no delay in payments or violation of the crushing schedule would be tolerated. Provincial Cane Commissioners were instructed to ensure mills start operations on time, maintain transparent weighing processes, and make payments to growers in accordance with the notified cane prices.
Officials noted that the timely start of crushing would not only facilitate farmers but also contribute to steady sugar supply and market stability during the winter season.
Participants of the meeting, including PSMA representatives and provincial officials, welcomed the government’s decision, describing it as a timely intervention that reflects improved coordination between the public and private sectors.
The meeting concluded with a directive for all provinces to maintain strict vigilance over mill operations, and ensure that any delay or violation is immediately reported to the federal ministry for action.
