Sindh Farmers Slam Sugar Import Decision

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The Sindh Chamber of Agriculture has strongly criticized the government’s recent decision to allow sugar imports, calling it an “economic massacre” of domestic sugarcane growers. The organisation warned that this move threatens to undermine local agriculture and waste valuable foreign exchange reserves.

Speaking from Hyderabad, Central Chief Patron Professor Dr. Syed Nadeem Qamar stated that as of June 30, Pakistan had approximately 2.5 million metric tons of sugar in stock, sufficient to meet national demand until mid-November. He argued that importing sugar now is unnecessary and detrimental to local producers.

Dr Qamar highlighted that sugar mills are expected to resume operations by October 25, generating a fresh domestic supply. Importing sugar during this period, he warned, could flood the market, drive down prices, and prevent farmers from receiving fair compensation for their crops.

The Chamber also pointed out that 80% of Pakistan’s sugar is consumed by the corporate sector, with households accounting for just 20%. This, they argue, reveals that current pricing and import policies largely favour commercial buyers rather than the average citizen.

In protest, the Chamber issued a call for farmers across Sindh to refrain from planting wheat during the upcoming 2025–2026 season, except for personal use. The organisation said that rising input costs and stagnant wheat prices have left growers operating at a loss in recent years.

The Chamber has urged the federal government to reconsider its agricultural import strategies and adopt long-term structural reforms. Their recommendations include removing market distortions, providing price support to domestic growers, and protecting local industries from import-driven shocks.

As Pakistan continues to face economic challenges, the Chamber’s statement underscores growing frustration within the country’s agricultural sector. The call for deregulation and farmer-led reform highlights ongoing tensions between policymakers and rural communities seeking protection in an increasingly competitive market.