This season, over 80 percent of the sugar cane supplied to the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) Labasa Mill has been classified as burnt cane, according to mill manager Leela Ramesh. He made this statement during a recent visit by Finance Minister Biman Prasad to Seaqaqa, Macuata.
Ramesh noted that the quality of sugar produced is impacted by burnt cane, although it can still be accepted in certain situations. The corporation only accepts burnt cane that is supplied within 48 hours of being initially burned.
So far, the Labasa Mill has crushed a total of 430,000 tonnes of sugar cane, with the high volume of burnt cane contributing to a decline in overall tonnage. Ramesh mentioned that the mill anticipates crushing an additional 120,000 tonnes before the season concludes, crushing an average of 25,000 tonnes weekly. The season is expected to end on October 25.
He explained that the mill will not surpass last year’s total of 555,000 tonnes, estimating a drop of around 5,000 tonnes to a total of 550,000 tonnes for this year. The ongoing supply of burnt cane is a significant factor in the reduced tonnage.
Ramesh attributed the decline to various issues, including unfavorable weather conditions and inadequate rail infrastructure in certain areas of Vanua Levu. He empathized with the challenges faced by farmers but assured that efforts are being made to improve the situation.
While this year’s figures may not meet last year’s, there is hope for a better performance in the upcoming season. Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh, has consistently praised the Labasa Mill’s performance, highlighting that it is currently the best-performing mill in the country, with fewer breakdown issues compared to the Lautoka and Ba mills.
Singh has encouraged an increase in green cane supply to help boost production. Ramesh indicated that the Total Cane to Total Sugar (TCTS) ratio for the Labasa Mill has improved to 1:9.65 this season, compared to 1:10 in the previous five seasons. He urged farmers to supply as much green cane as possible to the mill.