Sugar recovery improves as temperatures fall

Recovery nears 10% in key regions, easing prices as crushing season gathers pace

ISLAMABAD:

Punjab has recorded a noticeable improvement in sugar recovery as the ongoing crushing season gathers momentum, with falling temperatures helping enhance sucrose levels in sugarcane across major producing regions of the province. The improvement has provided relief to sugar mills and supported higher overall sugar output during the current season.

Sugar recovery in several areas has reached around 10 percent, reflecting better cane quality and improved processing outcomes. The decline in night-time temperatures has played a key role in strengthening sucrose accumulation in sugarcane, particularly in the southern districts of Punjab, where weather conditions have become more favourable for the crop.

Talking to Wealth Pakistan, Dr Kashif Munir, Director of the Sugarcane Research Institute, Faisalabad, said the recent drop in night temperatures to around 8-9 degrees Celsius has significantly improved sugar accumulation in sugarcane. "Lower temperatures slow down respiration in the cane plant, allowing more sucrose to accumulate, which ultimately increases recovery at sugar mills," he explained.

He said sugar recovery in central Punjab has also improved gradually and is now close to 9 percent in most districts. "As the crushing season progresses and temperatures continue to fall, further improvement in recovery levels is expected," he added.

According to official data from the Punjab Cane Commissioner's Office, the highest sugar recovery rates have been recorded in the Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan divisions. Central Punjab is also showing steady improvement as weather conditions support better cane quality.

The rise in sugar production has begun to ease pressure in the domestic market. Wholesale and ex-mill sugar prices have declined in major markets, including Lahore, indicating improved supply conditions.

Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, wholesale sugar dealer Hafiz Zeeshan Ghafoori said better availability has helped stabilise prices. "With more sugar entering the market, prices are gradually easing, and retail rates are expected to come down further in the coming weeks," he said, adding that retail sugar prices currently range between Rs160 and Rs170 per kilogram.