Criticizes deregulation policy; says that a completely free market does not exist anywhere
ISLAMABAD:
A parliamentary panel has expressed serious concerns over low sugarcane prices, despite high profits made by sugar mills.
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on National Food Security met on Wednesday to review agricultural production.
Committee chairman Syed Hussain Tariq said December had arrived and 12 percent of the sugarcane crushing had been completed. He accused the sugar mills of operating arbitrarily and leaving farmers at their mercy.
Officials informed the committee that 11 million tonnes of sugarcane had been crushed so far, producing 922,000 tonnes of sugar, while 138,000 tonnes of last year’s sugar stock remained available.
The president criticized the policy of deregulation of wheat and sugar cane, warning that a completely free market does not exist anywhere in the world.
He questioned whether the government intended to completely eliminate sugarcane cultivation.
The committee decided to consult the Minister of National Food Security to design a viable solution for the price of sugarcane while respecting IMF conditions and protecting farmers.
