KARACHI: Sindh government has released Rs 3.90 billion to 28 sugar mills operating in the province to give Rs 12 subsidy per 40 kilogram to sugarcane growers.
This decision was taken in a meeting held here with Sindh Chief Minister in the chair, an official statement said Wednesday.
Sindh Chief Secretary Siddiqui Memon, Principal Secretary to CM Alamudin Bullo, Special Secretary Finance attended the meeting.
The Chief Minister reviewing his decision taken in his meetings with growers and sugar mill owners asked the Chief Secretary about release of Rs 3.90 billion subsidy to growers.
The CS in his reply apprised the CM that he had approved the summary and funds have been released.
It may be noted that Sindh government had notified sugar cane price at Rs 182 per 40 kg. The millers did not accept the government decision and had started paying Rs 155 rate to the growers.
Later the CM held a meeting with the millers who agreed to increase purchase amount to Rs 5 per 40 kg. It means they agreed to pay Rs 160/40 kg.
The Chief Minister then held a meeting with the growers and urged them to accept the rate of Rs 172. The millers would pay them Rs 160 and remaining amount of Rs 12 will be paid to them by Sindh government as subsidy.
The millers accepted the decision and said the case was pending in Supreme Court. If the court decides payment of Rs 182 per maund then the millers would have to pay differential amount of Rs 10. The Sindh