The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has made a significant investment of over $18 million in machinery improvements over the last two years, primarily benefiting the Lautoka sugar mill. Minister for Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, emphasized the mill’s continuing role as the central hub for FSC operations during the opening of the 2025 sugar cane crushing season.
Commissioning the 2024 campaign, Singh noted that the Lautoka mill processed 368,260 tonnes of sugarcane last season, resulting in the production of 31,403 tonnes of sugar and 18,403 tonnes of molasses. The substantial investment has reportedly improved mill reliability and enhanced sugar recovery rates. Singh stated, “These investments are already yielding results – improving mill reliability, reducing downtime and enhancing sugar recovery.”
As FSC’s primary logistics center, Lautoka ensures seamless sugar shipments through the Lautoka port to both domestic and international markets. Additionally, it houses the Central Procurement Division, critical for sourcing essential materials throughout the mill network.
This investment follows recent reports highlighting operational challenges faced by the Ba and Lautoka mills, particularly in downtime and efficiency compared to the Labasa mill, which has demonstrated superior performance. The Labasa mill processed 352,000 tonnes of sugarcane in the current season and is expected to reach a total of up to 650,000 tonnes. Minister Singh pointed out the challenges of maintaining adequate cane supply, crucial to prevent costly mill closures, which were frequently misunderstood by the public.
Overall, the investments in Lautoka indicate a promising future for the sugar industry in Fiji, striving for improvements in efficiency and productivity while tackling ongoing operational challenges. The commitment to enhancing these mills showcases an optimistic vision for sustained growth and development in the sector.
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