By Asim Shahzad
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has said that the IMF has exposed the sugar mill owners, declaring them and other mafias as major obstacles to the country’s development. PPP MPA Mumtaz Chang said that either there is a nexus between the sugar mill owners and the federal government or the IMF is lying.
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He said farmers have been exploited in every government, and the situation has now deteriorated to the point where people are setting fire to sugarcane and other crops. “People are being forced to sell their children and commit suicide. This is the level of desperation,” he added.
Chang said sugar mill owners should not be supplied sugarcane until the government reviews the support price. According to him, on IMF recommendations, an additional 15 to 45 percent burden has been imposed on farmers.
He stated that in 2024 the sugarcane rate was Rs 400 per maund and remains Rs 400 today, while the sugar price has risen from Rs 120 to Rs 220. Meanwhile, diesel, urea, seeds, and other fertilizers have become significantly more expensive, but the sugarcane rate has not increased.
He said farmers deserve at least Rs 600 per maund for their crop. “Any mafia hindering the country’s development must be exposed. Farmers should not feel alone. The PPP has always stood with farmers and the oppressed,” Chang added.
