Prime Minister
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a meeting wherein he was briefed on the matters
pertaining to sugar industry of the country.
The meeting was
briefed on the growth of sugar industry in Pakistan, government’s role in the
development of this industry, issues concerning the sugar industry and support
of the industry from the government. Office bearers of Pakistan Sugar Mills
Association apprised the Prime Minister that total sugar production per Million
Tons has witnessed 125% increase in 2016-17 as compared to 2009-10 while the
increase in Sugarcane Area per Hectares over the same period was 29%. According
to Pakistan Sugar Mills Association, the economic impact of this growth was an
increase in farmer revenues from roughly Rs.95/- billion to roughly Rs. 325/-
billion annually.
The Prime
Minister was further apprised that Sugarcane has consistently been a viable
crop for farmers. The provincial governments have made tireless efforts in this
regard by providing the minimum support price of Sugarcane and making payments
to growers in a timely manner. Subsidies to growers in the form of fertilizers
and other inputs under “Prime Minister’s Kissan Package” have increased per
acre yield tremendously. In addition, the hard work by the sugar industry,
farmers and government research institutes have led to propagation of superior
varieties and better farm practices.
The challenges
faced by the sugar industry relating to permissions for export were also
discussed during the meeting.
Prime Minister
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi directed Ministry of Commerce to work with the Sugar
Advisory Board to come up with short and long term proposals for resolving the
issues and problems faced by the sugar industry.
The meeting was
attended by Minister for Commerce Mr. Muhammad Pervez Malik, Minister for
National Food Security Mr. Sikandar Hayat Bosan and office Bearers of Pakistan
Sugar Mills Association. Senior government officials were also present in the
meeting.