Punjab starts 24/7 digital monitoring of sugar mills

LAHORE: The Price Control & Commodities Management Department has introduced a 24/7 digital monitoring system for sugar mills across Punjab to ensure transparency, effective oversight, and data-driven policymaking in the sugar sector, said Punjab Cane Commissioner Amjad Hafeez.

The Cane Commissioner said that under the Annual Development Programme (ADP), the Planning & Development Board has formally approved the “Digital Monitoring Scheme for the Sugar Sector”, marking a major step towards real-time oversight of sugar mills in the province.

According to the Cane Commissioner, the state-of-the-art digital system aims to ensure real-time monitoring of all critical stages related to sugarcane and sugar, from procurement to production and distribution. Under the scheme, the entire process, including sugarcane purchase records, issuance of receipts, crushing operations, sugar production, buying and selling, transportation, and stock positions is being fully digitised.

Amjad Hafeez in a statement issued on Tuesday said the new digital monitoring mechanism will help address complaints effectively, strengthen regulatory supervision, and promote evidence-based policymaking in the sugar sector. He further stated that under the digital monitoring framework, payments made to sugarcane growers in Punjab will be tagged and monitored through an integrated digital system, ensuring timely payments and greater financial transparency.

The initiative is expected to improve governance in the sugar sector, curb irregularities, protect growers’ interests, and enhance the effectiveness of price control measures in the province.

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