This season, over 80 percent of the sugar cane supplied to the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s Labasa Mill has been burnt cane. Mill manager Leela Ramesh made this announcement during a visit by Minister for Finance Biman Prasad to Seaqaqa, Macuata.
Ramesh noted that while the quality of sugar produced is impacted by burnt cane, it can still be accepted under certain genuine circumstances. The corporation is willing to take in burnt cane if it is supplied within 48 hours of being burned.
So far, the Labasa Mill has crushed 430,000 tonnes of sugar cane, with the significant presence of burnt cane contributing to a decline in volumes. Ramesh mentioned that another 120,000 tonnes of cane are expected to be processed before the close of the season, which is anticipated to occur on October 25. The mill typically crushes around 25,000 tonnes of cane each week.
Ramesh indicated that they would likely not exceed last year’s total of 555,000 tonnes, projecting this year’s total to be around 550,000 tonnes, reflecting a decrease of 5,000 tonnes. The ongoing influx of burnt cane has been a substantial factor contributing to this reduction in tonnage.
Additional challenges include unfavorable weather conditions and poor rail infrastructure in parts of Vanua Levu. Ramesh expressed understanding of farmers’ struggles and emphasized efforts to enhance the situation.
Although this year’s crushing volume is set to fall short of last year’s figures, there is hope that the mill will meet its targets next season. Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh has frequently recognized the Labasa Mill’s performance, noting it is currently the best performing mill in the country with fewer breakdown issues compared to those in Lautoka and Ba.
To increase production, Singh has encouraged the supply of green cane to the mills. Ramesh reported that the ratio of total cane to total sugar produced (TCTS) has improved at Labasa Mill, currently standing at 1:9.65, up from 1:10 over the past five seasons. He urged farmers to deliver as much green cane to the mill as possible.