The Labasa Sugar Mill in Fiji is experiencing a successful crushing season, boasting a Tonnes Cane to Tonnes Sugar (TCTS) ratio of around 9%, which is more efficient than other mills that currently operate at about 12%. Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh attributes this achievement to resolving many issues from previous seasons, leading to improved truck turnaround times and reducing farmers’ waiting periods.
However, Singh acknowledged ongoing challenges related to maintenance, given the age of the mills, with Labasa being over 140 years old. Despite these hurdles, the dedication of the mill workers and the maintenance team is commendable, working tirelessly to ensure smooth operations. There’s an initiative to import engineers from India to assist, recognizing the need for such expertise in sustaining and improving the mill’s functionality.
Singh emphasized the importance of phasing out unapproved cane varieties, as this is the final year of a three-year grace period for farmers. Unapproved cane delivers less sucrose and juice, adversely affecting sugar production. The Ministry has been providing grants to aid farmers in replanting approved cane varieties suited to specific regions, which is essential for boosting Fiji’s sugar output and enhancing mill efficiency.
Historically, the Labasa Mill has been noted for its remarkable performance. In previous seasons, despite facing challenges like a high percentage of burnt cane affecting sugar quality, the Labasa Mill demonstrated positive developments, including significant investments in mill upgrades and maintenance to enhance productivity. The mill manager previously reported improvements in the TCTS ratio, indicating better operational efficiency and sugar recovery.
The ongoing efforts to address operational hurdles, along with support from Indian engineers, underscore a promising future for the sugar industry in Fiji. The resilience of the Labasa Mill amidst various challenges serves as a testament to the commitment of the workers, farmers, and the Ministry. By focusing on sustainable practices, the Labasa Mill can continue to contribute significantly to the sugar industry’s growth and profitability, ultimately benefiting the broader economy.
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