The sugar industry owes sugarcane farmers more than Rs3 billion, according to the Punjab Cane Commissioner’s audit report for 2024-25. The
findings expose that during the 2023-24 fiscal year, mill owners failed to pay Rs3.0469 billion to growers, despite legal requirements mandating payment within 15 days of purchase.
The report also shows that mill owners bought sugarcane at rates lower than those set by the government, in violation of pricing regulations.
The total outstanding amount owed to farmers stands at over Rs3.05 billion.
The revelations came during the Punjab Cane Commissioner’s audit, with the concerned department being informed in October 2024. However, the report states that no response was received from the department until December 2024, when the audit was finalized.
