Farmers Warn 7,900% Surge in Sugar Imports Threat

By Aftab Ahmed • February 23, 2026

The Markazi Kisan League (MKL) has issued a stark warning about a dramatic 7,906 percent increase in sugar imports and cautioned that this surge could severely damage Pakistan’s agricultural economy and harm local sugarcane farmers.

In a joint statement released on February 23, 2026, MKL Chairman Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Olakh and President Ashfaq Virk urged the government to take immediate action to restrict sugar imports. They emphasized the need for policies that alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers and protect the country’s economic self-reliance.

According to the MKL, sugar imports from July to January of the current fiscal year reached over $17.46 million, a sharp rise from $211,800 during the same period last year. The leaders described this increase as a clear indication of significant policy planning deficiencies.

Despite Pakistan’s position as a major sugar-producing country, the MKL highlighted the threat posed to local growers who are already struggling with rising costs of fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, diesel, and water shortages. They also pointed to what they perceive as government neglect of the sector.

The MKL called for an immediate review of the sugar import policy, timely payments to sugarcane farmers, subsidies on agricultural inputs, and a comprehensive strategy to boost domestic sugar production. They warned that failure to act could weaken the agricultural sector and have extensive negative impacts on the national economy.

Furthermore, the MKL confirmed its commitment to continue advocating for farmers’ rights and sustainable agricultural growth across all relevant platforms.

In response to the MKL’s concerns, some voices, such as Ch K A Nye, have suggested that the government’s increased sugar imports were intended to reduce domestic sugar prices, indicating a complex balance between market regulation and protecting local producers.