Sugar Cane Crushing Season Begins in Sindh
The sugar cane crushing season for 2025-26 has commenced in Sindh, with only five sugar factories initiating operations by Wednesday. Four factories are located in upper Sindh, while one is in lower Sindh. This early start indicates the beginning of a crucial period for the province’s agricultural sector. SindhNews.com
Initial Operations and Factory Readiness
Despite the start, most sugar mills have yet to begin crushing. This delay is occurring despite the start of the season. Notably, four out of five factories in Ghotki and one factory in Sanghar have begun operations. Preparations seem to have started for the upcoming sugar cane crushing season. According to reports, over two dozen sugar factories are readying their boilers, indicating an upcoming increase in crushing activity.
Price Concerns and Market Deregulation
A significant concern revolves around the absence of a fixed indicative price for sugarcane in the current season. Like the previous season (2024-25), the Sindh government hasn’t set a price, allegedly due to conditions tied to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program. The Sindh Government is expected to fix the rates for sugarcane in one of the meetings of the boards.
The Sindh Abadgar Board has also raised concerns regarding the deregulation of the sugar industry. The president of the board, Mahmood Nawaz Shah, stated, “The deregulation at the cost of farmers’ rights is just not acceptable to us.”
Industry Regulations and Future Outlook
The Sugar Factories Control Act of 1950, amended in 2009, stipulates that crushing must begin no later than November 30. An official from the agriculture department mentioned that, while a price fixation notification is pending, a notification for the crushing commencement has already been issued.
Conclusion
The early initiation of the sugar cane crushing season in Sindh marks the start of an important period. However, uncertainties surrounding sugarcane pricing and the broader impact of market deregulation continue. The outcome of these issues will significantly affect the province’s farmers.