More than 80 percent of the sugar cane processed at the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s Labasa Mill this season has been classified as burnt cane. Mill manager Leela Ramesh made this announcement during a recent visit by Finance Minister Biman Prasad to Seaqaqa, located in the Macuata province.
Ramesh noted that burnt cane impacts the overall quality of the sugar produced, although it can be accepted in certain legitimate cases. The corporation permits the acceptance of burnt cane that is supplied within 48 hours of being burned.
So far this season, the Labasa Mill has crushed a total of 430,000 tonnes of sugar cane, with burnt cane contributing to a decrease in overall production levels. Ramesh mentioned that there are still 120,000 tonnes of cane expected to be crushed before the end of the season, with a weekly processing rate of 25,000 tonnes. The season is anticipated to conclude on October 25.
Despite the efforts, the mill is projected to fall short of last year’s total crush of 555,000 tonnes, with an expected yield of only 550,000 tonnes this year, representing a drop of approximately 5,000 tonnes. The supply of burnt cane is a significant factor in the reduced tonnage, alongside challenges posed by unfavorable weather conditions and inadequate rail infrastructure in certain areas of Vanua Levu.
Ramesh expressed understanding of the difficulties faced by farmers but emphasized ongoing efforts to improve the situation. While it is not expected that last year’s crushing figures will be met, there is hope for increased productivity in the upcoming season.
Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh has frequently praised the Labasa Mill’s performance, which currently stands as the top-performing mill in Fiji, with fewer breakdown issues compared to the Lautoka and Ba mills. Singh has encouraged the supply of green cane to enhance production volume.
Ramesh also reported an improvement in the Total Cane to Total Sugar (TCTS) ratio for the Labasa Mill, which now stands at 1:9.65 this season, an improvement from the previous five seasons’ average of 1:10. He urged farmers to deliver as much green cane as possible to the mill to support this initiative.