National Farmers Union General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed serious concern over the ongoing operational inefficiencies at the Lautoka Sugar Mill, which he claims is impacting the entire sugar industry in Fiji. In a recent statement, Chaudhry highlighted that the mill has been struggling with a high TCTS (tonnes of cane to tonnes of sugar) ratio of 15.30, indicating that it requires five more tonnes of sugarcane to produce a single tonne of sugar. This inefficiency has led to significant losses for local growers.
Chaudhry noted that the mill has been underperforming, operating well below its capacity. Over the past six weeks, it has crushed only 93,300 tonnes of cane, resulting in a mere 6,087 tonnes of sugar. During the week ending July 14, the mill fell short of its production target, crushing only 25,900 tonnes against an expected 36,600 tonnes. The mill has also faced numerous stoppages; mechanical and electrical failures accounted for 33 hours of downtime, alongside an additional 16 hours due to rain.
Chaudhry criticized Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh for his optimistic remarks regarding mill performance, calling them a misrepresentation of the real issues plaguing the mill and the industry. Singh, however, has defended his position, indicating that over $18 million has been invested in machinery to improve the mill’s performance, asserting that it remains a cornerstone of the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s operations.
This call for accountability reflects broader frustrations echoed by farmers, particularly those from Ba, Tavua, and Ra, who worry about the impending operational challenges at the Rarawai Mill as it gears up for its own crushing season. Past discussions have similarly indicated that the repeated breakdowns and inefficiencies at the Lautoka Sugar Mill could undermine farmer confidence, complicating their prospects for a stable livelihood.
Despite these challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope for improvements in the sugar industry. Ongoing investments in modernization and infrastructure, coupled with a collective push for better operational efficiencies, may ultimately lead to a revitalized sector that can benefit farmers and stakeholders in the long-term. The critical discourse around these challenges serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and accountability in moving toward a more resilient and productive future for Fiji’s sugar industry.
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