Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has directed sugar mill owners to ensure timely payments to sugarcane growers.

He was presiding over a meeting of the Sugar Advisory Board in Islamabad today to review the overall sugar supply situation, available stocks and domestic requirements.

The Minister termed farmers as a key pillar of the agricultural economy and said it is also essential to maintain a healthy balance between the interests of farmers and the sugar industry.

He said the decision to allow sugar exports had been taken after carefully assessing the country's domestic requirements and available sugar stocks.

Rana Tanveer Hussain reiterated the government's commitment to protecting farmers, maintaining food security and ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach towards the development of the sugar sector.