This season, more than 80 percent of the sugar cane received by the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s Labasa Mill is comprised of burnt cane. Mill manager Leela Ramesh disclosed this information during a recent visit by Finance Minister Biman Prasad to Seaqaqa, Macuata.
Ramesh noted that while burnt cane affects the quality of the sugar produced, it can be accepted under certain circumstances. The mill accepts burnt cane that is supplied within 48 hours of its initial burn.
So far, the Labasa Mill has crushed 430,000 tonnes of sugar cane, with the influx of burnt cane contributing to a decrease in overall quantity. Ramesh stated that there remains another 120,000 tonnes of cane to be crushed before the end of the season, which is anticipated to conclude on October 25. The mill is currently processing 25,000 tonnes of cane weekly.
He confirmed that they would not surpass last year’s crushing total of 555,000 tonnes, projecting this year’s output at around 550,000 tonnes, reflecting a drop of about 5,000 tonnes. The supply of burnt cane continues to significantly impact the overall tonnage.
Ramesh pointed to additional challenges such as adverse weather conditions and inadequate rail infrastructure in certain areas of Vanua Levu as contributing factors to the decline. He expressed empathy for the farmers’ struggles and emphasized efforts to improve the situation.
Although this year’s crushing quantity is not expected to match last year’s, there is hope that the mill will achieve better results in the next season. Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh has frequently acknowledged the Labasa Mill’s performance, noting it as the best performing mill in the country, with fewer breakdown issues compared to the Lautoka and Ba mills.
To enhance sugar cane production, Singh has encouraged an increase in the supply of green cane to the mills. Ramesh reported an improvement in the Total Cane to Total Sugar (TCTS) ratio for the Labasa Mill, rising from 1:10 in the previous five seasons to 1:9.65 this season. He urged farmers to bring as much green cane to the mill as possible.