Sugar mills asked to clear growers dues or face action

All the sugar mills across the province have been warned to clear the dues of sugarcane growers otherwise be ready to face the music. Cane Commissioner, Punjab, Shahid Hussain Chaudhry told APP here Sunday that during last crushing season, cases were registered against the management of 7 sugar mills for delay in payment to sugarcane growers which includes National, Abdullah 11 (Yousuf), Fecto, Kohinoor, Abdullah and Baba Farid etc.
He said during the current crushing season, 45 sugar mills out of the total 46 purchased 12.235 million metric ton sugarcane worth Rs 20 billion from growers which is 33 per cent less than previous year. According to rules, payment is to be made to suppliers within 15 days from date of purchase. He said government in order to facilitate the growers, has empowered all District Co-ordination Officers as Additional Cane Commissioners to address the problems of growers regarding timely payment of their dues. He said that if any sugarcane grower facing problem in payment of his dues must approach to concerned DCO or directly complain to him through mail, email, fax 042-9210520 for prompt action.