September 07, 2008	Sunday	Ramazan 06, 1429

MULTAN, Sept 6: Sugarcane growers are anxiously awaiting an announcement from the government regarding the cane support price as the crushing season begins next month.

The provincial agriculture department sent to the federal government a summary in

July, recommending Rs80 per 40kg the cane support price, but a final announcement is awaited.

On the other hand cane growers are of the view that cane price should not be less than Rs100 per 40 kg, keeping in view the inflation.

Muhammad Azam, a grower from Jaman Shah, Layyah, said the cost of cane production had shoot up because of high prices of diesel, fertilisers and pesticides.

He said cane growers were getting Rs105 per 40kg from sugar mills of Sindh, but a ban on inter-district movement of sugarcane spoiled the situation and now cane was being sold for even below Rs50 per 40kg.

Sources in the provincial agriculture department said Rs80 per 40kg had been recommended as sugarcane support price to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, though a notification in this regard had yet to be issued.

Brokers are expecting good rate because of low sugarcane production. Talking to this correspondent, middleman Muhammad Amjad said he was expecting comparatively good rates because of low sugarcane yield this year.

He said the government should fix sugarcane support price at Rs100 per 40kg to encourage the growers.

Federal Food, Agriculture and Livestock Secretary Ziaur Rehman was not available for a comment.