This season, over 80 percent of the sugar cane delivered to the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s Labasa Mill consists of burnt cane. Mill manager Leela Ramesh shared this information during a recent visit by Minister for Finance Biman Prasad to Seaqaqa in Macuata.
Ramesh noted that while burnt cane can hinder the quality of sugar produced, it is still accepted in certain genuine cases. The corporation permits the intake of burnt cane within 48 hours after it has been burned.
So far, the Labasa Mill has processed 430,000 tonnes of sugar cane, with the increasing volume of burnt cane cited as a factor in the declining totals. Ramesh mentioned that the mill has an additional 120,000 tonnes to crush before the season ends, maintaining a weekly crushing rate of 25,000 tonnes.
The expected closure date for the season is October 25. Ramesh indicated that they will likely not surpass the 555,000 tonnes crushed last year, estimating this year’s total will be around 550,000 tonnes, down by 5,000 tonnes.
The ongoing supply of burnt cane has significantly impacted the overall tonnage of crushed cane. Ramesh linked the decline to other factors as well, such as adverse weather conditions and inadequate rail infrastructure in certain areas of Vanua Levu. He expressed understanding for the challenges faced by farmers and emphasized the company’s commitment to improvements.
Although this year’s crushing volume will not meet last year’s figures, there is hope that the mill will achieve its targets for the next season. Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh has frequently praised the Labasa Mill’s performance, which currently surpasses that of the Lautoka and Ba mills in terms of operational efficiency.
To enhance sugar cane production, Singh has encouraged more green cane supply to the mills. Ramesh reported an improvement in the Total Cane to Total Sugar ratio at the Labasa Mill, which is currently at 1:9.65 this season compared to 1:10 over the past five seasons. He urged farmers to deliver as much green cane to the mill as possible.