ISLAMABAD: The Sugar Advisory Board (SAB) has decided that the nationwide sugarcane crushing season will commence on Nov 15, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain announced on Wednesday.

According to a statement from the ministry, the decision followed extensive consultations with provincial governments, the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), cane commissioners, and representatives from the ministries of industries, production and commerce.

Preliminary estimates indicate that sugarcane output for 2025-26 will reach around 85 million tonnes, slightly higher than the previous year’s 84m tonnes. The area under cultivation has also expanded by 1.7 per cent to 1.213m hectares from 1.19m hectares last year.

The meeting, chaired by Rana Tanveer, was attended by a PSMA delegation led by Chaudhary Zaka Ashraf, provincial cane commissioners, and officials from relevant ministries. The ministry said the decision aims to prevent delays that could disadvantage growers.

Mr Tanveer warned that strict action would be taken against any mill failing to start operations on time. “Payment of dues to farmers will be ensured before the commencement of crushing. The government is making all decisions in the best interest of farmers to prevent their exploitation,” he said.

He added that timely crushing would not only support growers but also ensure a steady and early supply of sugar in the market. “This decision has been taken to protect farmers and guarantee the timely availability of sugar,” the minister said.

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2025