10 Sugar Mills in Punjab Issued Notices for Delaying Crushing Season – Govt Warns of Daily Rs5 Million Fines
The Punjab government has taken a strong administrative step after 10 sugar mills in Punjab issued notices for violating the official Delaying Crushing. These mills failed to begin sugarcane crushing by 15 November 2025, despite clear instructions issued under the Punjab Sugar Factories Control Act, 1950. The Cane Commissioner Punjab, Amjad Hafeez, has initiated action under Section 21, which carries severe penalties, including fines of up to Rs5 million per day for continued non-compliance. This development has created major concern among sugarcane growers who are already facing financial losses due to delays in the crushing season.
According to official sources, the mills that received show-cause notices include: Ashraf (Bahawalpur), Baba Fareed (Okara), Tandlianwala-I (Faisalabad), Tandlianwala-II (Muzaffargarh), Sheikhu (Muzaffargarh), Kashmir (Jhang), Seven Star (Nankana Sahib), RYK (Rahim Yar Khan), Pattoki (Kasur) and Chanar (Faisalabad). All of these units were legally required to begin crushing operations by mid-November to ensure smooth supply of sugar and timely harvesting of wheat in Punjab.
The notice issued by the Cane Commissioner clearly states that sugar mills are bound by law to start crushing by the date determined by the government. According to the schedule, all mills must begin operations no later than 30 November, but for this season, the government specifically instructed all factories to begin crushing from 15 November 2025. The notice strongly warns mill owners that the Lahore High Court has already validated the government’s authority to fix crushing dates, which leaves no lawful justification for non-compliance.
However, despite these clear legal and administrative instructions, several mills failed to start operations on time. The authorities also discovered instances where mills tried to misrepresent their status, claiming that crushing had begun when in reality the machinery was not operational. Field inspections and local intelligence reports confirmed that at least one mill attempted to deceive the government by submitting false claims. The official notice terms this behavior as wilful defiance and an attempt to bypass lawful orders.
The consequences of the delay are not limited to legal violations — they also create direct hardship for sugarcane farmers. Since cane is a perishable crop, it must be crushed immediately after harvesting to maintain maximum sugar recovery. The notice highlights that due to the delay caused by the mills, harvested cane is drying in the fields, resulting in weight loss and lower sugar content. This leads to reduced income for farmers who rely on timely crushing to secure fair compensation for their produce.
Additionally, the delay in the crushing season is also affecting Punjab’s wheat sowing cycle.
Farmers across the province have complained that standing sugarcane is preventing the timely preparation of fields for wheat cultivation. The government has warned that these delays may lead to a decline in wheat productivity, potentially contributing to shortages at both provincial and national levels. Timely wheat sowing is essential for ensuring adequate grain supply, stabilizing market prices, and protecting food security.
Under Section 21 of the Punjab Sugar Factories Control Act, non-compliance with crushing dates is punishable with stringent penalties. The Cane Commissioner has warned that mills can be fined up to Rs5 million per day for each day of delay. This clause has been included to prevent mills from manipulating seasonal supply and sugar prices — a practice that has been widely criticized in previous years.
The mills have now been asked to appear before the Cane Commissioner on 26 November 2025 to explain their position. The government has signaled a strict approach this season, stating that repeated violations or attempts to deceive authorities will result in tougher punitive actions. Officials also stated that the government aims to protect growers from exploitation, ensure smooth supply of sugar to the market, and prevent artificial shortages created through delayed crushing.
Why Are Sugar Mills Delaying Crushing?
Over the past several years, sugar mills in Punjab have frequently been accused of delaying crushing to influence market conditions. When crushing is delayed, farmers become desperate to sell their crops, allowing mills to buy cane at lower prices. Similarly, sugar stocks become limited, enabling mills to sell sugar at higher prices. This dual benefit often comes at the expense of farmers and consumers. The government’s crackdown aims to prevent such artificial manipulation.
Impact on Growers
Farmers across the province have welcomed the government’s action. Growers say that delayed crushing affects sugarcane quality and reduces their overall earnings. Without timely payments, many farmers struggle to cover their agricultural expenses, buy fertilizers, or prepare fields for the next crop cycle. Growers also face losses when cane standing in fields dries up, loses weight, or gets damaged due to unseasonal weather.
Impact on Wheat Sowing
Punjab is Pakistan’s largest wheat-producing province, and timely sowing is critical for achieving annual production targets. Every day of delay reduces expected yield per acre. The government has highlighted that delays caused by sugar mills are directly affecting wheat crop planning, which can have major implications for the province’s food supply and inflation.
Government’s Position
The Punjab government has reaffirmed that it will enforce the crushing schedule without compromise. Authorities stated that the directives are meant to bring transparency, protect growers, ensure fair market practices, and stabilize sugar supply. Government officials have assured farmers that strict monitoring will continue until all mills are fully operational.
Mills Summoned on 26 November
All 10 mills have been asked to appear before the Cane Commissioner on 26 November to explain why they violated the schedule. They must provide written responses and present valid reasons for the delay — failing which fines and other penalties will be imposed.
Expected Future Actions
If mills continue to defy orders:
- Heavy daily fines will be imposed
- Mills may face legal prosecution
- Their crushing operations may be forcibly monitored
- Market inspections will be increased
- Government may take over administrative control in extreme cases
Conclusion – Punjab issued notices To 10 Sugar Mills for Delaying Crushing 2025
The case of 10 sugar mills issued notices marks an important moment for the Punjab agriculture sector. It demonstrates the government’s renewed resolve to enforce crushing timelines, protect growers’ financial interests, and stabilize the province’s food crop cycle. With sugarcane and wheat being two of Punjab’s most crucial crops, timely coordination between farmers, mills, and regulators is essential. As the 26 November hearing approaches, all eyes are on how the mills respond — and what penalties may follow if they fail to satisfy the authorities.
