LAHORE: Sugar mills across the province have so far crushed 24.89 million metric tons of sugarcane during the ongoing crushing season 2025-26 resulting in production of 2.329 million metric tons of refined sugar which is 266,000 metric tons of sugar more than last year.
Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Dr Kiran Khurshid, said due to timely measures taken by the Punjab government, sugarcane crushing is continuing smoothly at 41 sugar mills across the province. She said the increase in production is due to effective policies of the Punjab government.
Dr Kiran Khurshid further said that under the farmer-friendly policy of the provincial government, more than Rs229.46 billion has so far been paid to sugarcane growers, which accounts for 92.57 percent of total payments. In comparison, only 87.81 percent of payments were made during the previous season.
She added that the current ex-mill price of sugar in Punjab ranges between Rs138 and Rs148 per kilogram, while sugar is available in the market at Rs145 to Rs160 per kilogram in adequate quantity.
The secretary said the Punjab government is actively ensuring the availability of sugar at officially fixed prices. A crackdown against hoarders and profiteers is ongoing, under which cases have been registered against 501 individuals, and 4,029 people have been arrested for illegal profiteering. She further stated that the Punjab government is utilizing all available resources to ensure 100 percent payment to sugarcane farmers, so that farmers can receive their dues on time and achieve financial stability.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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