Managing Burnt Cane Amid Production Declines

The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Labasa Mill has reported that this season, more than 80% of the sugar cane supplied to the mill is burnt cane.

Mill manager Leela Ramesh mentioned this during Minister for Finance Biman Prasad’s recent visit to Seaqaqa, Macuata.

Mr. Ramesh noted that burnt cane affects the quality of the sugar produced, although it can be accepted in genuine cases.

The corporation accepts burnt cane supplied within 48 hours of its initial burn.

So far, the Labasa Mill has crushed 430,000 tonnes of sugar cane, with burnt cane contributing to a decline in overall quantity.

Mr. Ramesh indicated that they still have another 120,000 tonnes to crush before the season ends.

The mill crushes approximately 25,000 tonnes of cane weekly, with the expected closing date for the season set for October 25.

He stated that they would likely not surpass last year’s total of 555,000 tonnes, projecting a total crush of only 550,000 tonnes this year, a drop of 5,000 tonnes from last year.

The ongoing supply of burnt cane is significantly impacting the tonnage of cane crushed.

Mr. Ramesh also cited other factors contributing to the decline, including unfavorable weather conditions and poor rail infrastructure in certain areas of Vanua Levu.

“I fully understand the struggles of farmers, but we are working to improve in this area,” Mr. Ramesh said.

While this year’s crushing quantity will fall short of last year's figures, there is optimism that the mill will achieve its goals in the upcoming season.

Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh has repeatedly acknowledged the performance of the Labasa Mill, which is currently the best performing mill in the country, with fewer breakdown issues compared to Lautoka and Ba mills.

To boost the quantity of cane produced, Mr. Singh has encouraged the supply of green cane to the mills.

Mr. Ramesh also reported an improvement in the Total Cane to Total Sugar produced (TCTS) ratio for Labasa Mill, which is currently at 1:9.65 this season, down from 1:10 over the past five seasons.

“I urge all farmers to please bring as much green cane to the mill as possible,” he added.