HYDERABAD: The Sindh Abadgar Ittehad (SAI) has expressed its concern over federal government’s decision to import sugar, and said it would be tantamount to exploiting growers.

SAI president Nawab Zubair Talpur in a statement issued here on Thursday alleged that decisions were being taken in closed rooms only to exploit farmers.

He pointed out that there was no shortage of sugar in the country, but the commodity was being imported which was unfair.

He said the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on Jan 19 decided to import 800,000 tonnes of sugar and 300,000 tonnes of raw sugar without any levy of duty.

He said it was an injustice with farmers of Sindh where 40pc crushing of sugar cane crop was still in process. He said that showing a shortage of sugar even before completion of the crushing season was a foolish step.

He said the government always imported commodities on the pretext of controlling prices before harvesting of crop, which caused losses to farmers.

He said that after import of onion and tomatoes, wheat was being imported whereas Sindh would get wheat crop in market after 40 days.

He condemned the federal government policies and urged it to take action against hoarders in order to control flour prices.

He demanded withdrawal of Rs500 raise in the price of DAP bag.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2021