THIS refers to a front page advertisement by Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) and Asad Rahim Khan’s article ‘Sugar mountain’ (April 12).

From the advertisement it appears that the industry is regulated by the government, which has always been highly influenced by the sugar industry itself. This has been exposed by the latest FIA inquiry report more clearly than ever before.

The article talks about how this industry is bad for human health and unfeasible for the economy of the country. I suggest that the industry be deregulated immediately to be controlled by the free market forces. There should be no licence for setting up new units, no support price for sugar cane, no subsidy for export, no restrictions on import of sugar, etc.

People should be encouraged to use gur (jaggery) as much as possible in order to avoid the harms of this white poison. The farmers should be encouraged to produce organic gur and strengthen their bargaining position against exploitation of mill owners.

The deregulation of industry should be to the benefit of the consumer and economy. The change will also give boost to our textile industry which enjoys benefit in the export market. This is the opportune time for the government to go for the change.

Mohammad Nasir
Peshawar

Published in Dawn, April 17th, 2020