Criticizes the deregulation policy; says that a completely free market does not exist anywhere
ISLAMABAD:
A parliamentary panel has expressed serious concern 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 arrived but 12 per cent of sugarcane crushing had been completed. He accused sugar mills of operating arbitrarily and leaving farmers at their mercy.
Officials informed the committee that 11 million tonnes of sugarcane have been crushed so far, producing 922,000 tonnes of sugar, while 138,000 tonnes of sugar stocks from last year remain available.
The president criticized the policy of liberalization of wheat and sugar cane, warning that there is no completely free market 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 come up with a viable solution for sugarcane prices while meeting IMF conditions and protecting farmers.
