Overview
- The federal government announced Nov. 15 as the official start of the sugarcane crushing season after consultations with provincial authorities and the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association.
- A Sugar Advisory Board meeting chaired by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain finalized the date and warned of strict action against mills that delay operations.
- Mills were directed to make full payments to growers before crushing begins as part of a push to protect farmers and prevent exploitation.
- The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association said no final date was agreed, asserting mills would decide individually and that existing stocks can cover demand until Dec. 15.
- The association argued an early start could cut sugar output by about 300,000 tons and strain mill finances, while also criticizing a reported 325,000‑ton government sugar import.