Punjab’s sugar crushing season for 2025–26 has started on a positive note, showing strong production, improved recovery, and better payment flow to farmers.
In the first 45 days of the season, 41 sugar mills across the province produced around 1.36 million tons of sugar after crushing 15.06 million tons of sugarcane.
The recovery rate improved to 9.43 percent, reflecting better efficiency compared to previous seasons.
As a result, total sugar availability during this early phase reached nearly 1.47 million tons, helping ease supply concerns in the domestic market.
Farmers also benefited from stronger purchasing activity. Sugar mills bought sugarcane worth Rs. 98.8 billion during this period.
About 88 percent of payments have already been made to growers, which is seen as a positive step for rural cash flow and farmer confidence. The average price paid to farmers stood at Rs. 401 per 40 kilograms, close to the official support price.
Industry experts say that higher production, better recovery rates, and timely payments have helped stabilize ex-mill sugar prices.
This stability is important for both consumers and the wider food supply chain, especially amid inflationary pressures.
If the crushing season continues at the current pace, sugar prices may see further easing in the coming months.
Continued smooth operations and prompt farmer payments will be key to maintaining momentum and ensuring a balanced sugar market throughout the season.