Joint opposition on Wednesday grilled the government in the Senate over the issue of exploitation of sugarcane growers at the hands of mill owners, as they are being paid low prices of their produce. Opposition Senator, Abdullah Riar said, "sugar mill owners represent the ruling elite and the agriculture minister has become their spokesman, overlooking the problems of growers."
Infuriated on the statement, Sikander Bosan said that import of sugar has been allowed in order to increase supply to match the demand, the opposition senator said, "the government's decision to import sugarcane, will provide a new way to exploit growers."
Senator Anwar Bhinder criticised the government for negligence over the issue of price disparity in the provinces, as sugar price remained lower in Punjab.
To a question on premium payable by sugar mills to growers, the Agriculture Minister said that sugarcane prices are fixed by provinces and federal government is not answerable.
Bosan added that in Punjab premium rate is 8.5 percent while in Sindh it is 8.7 percent. This issue is in Supreme Court for decision while the High Court has given the decision in the favour of provincial government.
Dr Khalid Ranjha condemned the exploitation of sugarcane growers at the hands of mill owners saying that there is no support price fixed for sugarcane by the government, while the mill owners exploit the farmers by giving lower prices of their agricultural product.
Senator Amjad Abbassi raised a supplementary question, saying that there is a continuous increase in inputs while the support price remains same which affects the growers and demanded of the government to increase support price and take action on the issue of premium.
The Agriculture Minister said that some sugar mills were working efficiently while some do exploit farmers. Quick action will be taken in this regard, he assured.
Bosan said that the ministry of agriculture will review 'Sugar Control Act' to take strict action against sugar mills.
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