LAHORE: The Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee (PKRC) has urged the government not to allow sugar exports, warning that overseas shipments could create an artificial shortage in the domestic market and eventually force consumers to purchase imported sugar at higher prices.
The PKRC said a campaign appeared to have been launched in support of sugar exports, with advertisements initially published in the names of sugar mill owners and subsequently in the names of various organisations claiming to represent farmers.
It said the advertisements reportedly carried the names of the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture and Punjab Cane Growers Association, besides Anjuman Kashtkaran Punjab, Pakistan Kissan Movement, Kissan Welfare Council and Pakistan Kissan Council.
The committee questioned the extent to which some of these organisations represented farmers and their record of participation in farmers’ struggles.
The PKRC maintained that genuine farmers’ organisations did not support the demand of sugar mill owners for export of the commodity.
It argued that sugar mill owners should not be allowed to export sugar merely to increase their profits. If sugar was exported and domestic supplies subsequently fell short, the same stakeholders could seek permission for imports on the pretext of a shortage, placing an additional burden on consumers and the national economy.
The committee said such a situation could ultimately benefit a limited number of sugar mill owners at the expense of consumers.
According to the PKRC, sugar produced in Pakistan should first be utilised to meet domestic requirements, and exports should not be permitted when there is a risk of shortages or an increase in local prices.
Tariq Mahmood, Central President, and Riffat Maqsood, Central General Secretary, Pakistan Kissan Rabita Committee said it was a federation of 36 farmers’ organisations across Pakistan and remained committed to protecting the collective interests of farmers and consumers.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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