The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has reported significant challenges at the Lautoka mill, with a current Tonnes of Cane to Tonnes of Sugar (TCTS) ratio at 15.3. This indicates that it takes 15.3 tonnes of sugarcane to produce one tonne of sugar, a troubling figure largely linked to field-level cane quality rather than inefficiencies within the mill itself.
Nitya Reddy, Chairman of FSC, explained that the average purity of the cane delivered to the Lautoka mill is only 9.3 units, significantly below the ideal range of 13.0 to 14.5 units for optimal recoverable sugar (POCS). Additionally, the cane purity level has been recorded very low at 77.9 units, indicating considerable impurity in the cane being processed.
One of the serious contributing factors to this situation is the delayed delivery of cane, with more than 89% arriving after 24 hours of harvesting, and 34% being delayed over 72 hours. This delay not only leads to a decline in sucrose content but also affects milling efficiency.
The Lautoka mill has also been adversely impacted by mechanical issues such as boiler tube failures, leading to over 130 hours of operational downtime this season. In contrast, the Labasa mill has shown relatively better performance and efficiency, despite facing similar challenges with burnt cane affecting the overall quality and production.
The situation reflects broader issues within the sugar cane production sector this season, including high levels of burnt cane recorded across the mills. As FSC addresses these challenges, there is cautious optimism for improved cane quality and efficiency in the upcoming seasons, with initiatives aiming to boost the supply of green cane being emphasized by industry leaders.
Despite the present struggles, the resilience of the production teams and continued support from the government suggest that there is potential for recovery and improvement in Fiji’s sugar industry moving forward.
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