The Markazi Kisan League (MKL) has raised alarms over a staggering 7,906 percent surge in sugar imports, warning that the trend threatens Pakistan’s agricultural economy and local sugarcane growers.
In a joint statement, MKL Chairman Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Olakh and President Ashfaq Virk called on the government to immediately curb sugar imports and implement measures to ease the financial strain on farmers while protecting national economic self-reliance.
The leaders noted that sugar imports from July to January of the current fiscal year exceeded $17.46 million, compared to just $211,800 during the same period last year. They described the surge as a reflection of serious policy planning gaps.
Despite Pakistan’s status as a major sugar-producing nation, the MKL said rising imports threaten local growers who are already grappling with soaring costs of fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, diesel, water shortages, and perceived government neglect.
MKL demanded an immediate review of the import policy, timely payments to sugarcane farmers, subsidies on agricultural inputs, and a comprehensive strategy to promote domestic sugar production. They warned that inaction could weaken the agricultural sector and have far-reaching consequences for the national economy.
MKL confirmed it would continue advocating for farmers’ rights and sustainable growth in the agriculture sector at all forums.
