According to reports reaching here, Sari Sugar Mills has resumed its crushing season knowing shortfall in cane production and is offering Rs 2-4 more than the official price at farm gate under the table.
The growers lauding the decision have offered their fullest co-operation as such that Sari Sugar Mills is expected to get sugarcane from the areas of 12 mills in Tando Muhammad Khan and Badin district as the other mills are yet to start crushing.
Some more sugar mills have also lit up their boilers and are expected to start crushing before Eid-ul-Fitr holidays after thoroughly assessing the crop position.
According to statistics released by the Sindh agriculture extension the area under sugarcane cultivation has declined by 34.33 percent while the production by around 50 percent during two years. Sindh agriculture secretary has also confirmed this at a seminar conceding that the cane crop on the ground is lesser than previous years.
Some other sugar mills are reported to have started issuing indents and offering higher price at farm gate as compared to the one which the mill-owners had agreed upon.