The government is implementing measures to ensure the accuracy of data concerning sugar and ethanol production. To advance its digital governance initiative, the government has decided to link the ERP systems of all sugar mills to the NSWS portal via APIs. This integration will eliminate the need for manual data entry, thereby reducing human errors and preventing redundant information.
According to sources, sugar mills have begun the integration process. Triveni Engineering has connected sugar mills’ ERP systems with the NSWS portal using APIs. Other sugar mills are also following this procedure and will complete it soon.
In Maharashtra, the Vasantdada Sugar Institute is also taking steps to assist the mills with the integration process.
Earlier, operational sugar mills successfully registered on the NSWS portal and filed monthly information according to the P II Proforma for the 2023-24 season. This has helped the Directorate of Sugar and Vegetable Oils obtain timely information about sugar and ethanol production and dispatch from the mills. To further advance the digital governance initiative, the government decided to connect all sugar mills’ ERP systems with the NSWS portal using APIs. This will eliminate the need for manual data entry, ensuring data accuracy and reducing human errors, while also preventing redundant data. The information requested through the API will be the same as in the existing PII format, and no additional information will be sought through the APIs.
Previously, a meeting chaired by the Joint Secretary (Sugar) was held on June 5, 2024, where representatives from various sugar mills, listed companies, and Invest India participated. During this meeting, the importance of API integration was emphasised, and it was underscored that this task must be given top priority. The DFPD urged all sugar mills to prioritise this integration process and complete it within the next few months.
The recently released draft Sugar (Control) Order 2024 also mentions about APIs. Clause 10 of the order pertains to the Power to Call for Information, etc. which states that the Central Government or any person authorised in this behalf by the Central Government may, with a view to securing compliance with this Order, or to satisfy itself that any order or direction issued under this Order is complied with,- (a) require any producer or dealer to furnish within such period or at such intervals as may be specified, such information, returns or reports and in such forms including digital forms, and to integrate their Digital Systems with the Digital system of Central Government through API or any other mode and to allow information sharing of such information already shared with any Government organisation to ensure authenticity of data and compliance, as may be required; and (b) prescribe the manner in which accounts of any sales, purchases or other transactions of sugar and its by products should be kept.
