By SHEIK DEAN
Our sugar industry is picking momentum and given this, a much more fruitful outcome could be seen for the cane crushing season this year.
The Fiji Sugar Corporation is optimistic to reach the two million tonnes of sugar crushed at mills this season.
Executive chairman, Abdul Khan, has confirmed of tonnes cane per tonnes sugar (TC/TS) ratio currently stands at 12.4 with almost 9000 tonnes of sugar extracted so far.
“We have processed 108,000 tonnes of sugar cane with numbers picking up gradually since last week,” he said.
“It is good to see the cane supply to mills are picking up which shows the stakeholders responsible for cane delivery are putting extra effort into this.
“Growers, cane cutters and lorry drivers are showing their commitment for better cane supply.”
Lautoka Mill
Meanwhile, the Lautoka Sugar Mill had seized operation last Wednesday because of technical difficulties on the main drive.
“It was one of the frustrating problems we have faced so far. Engineers worked over night to fix the problem and resumed crushing next day at 3pm (Thursday),” Mr Khan said.
“We faced problems on the main drive which is the diffuser for extracting cane juice. It had incurred electrical problems.”
Season concluding dates
Sugar Industry Tribunal Industrial Commissioner, Tim Brown, said the season so far is looking healthy.
“The Tribunal urges cane growers to harvest on time and deliver to mills so the season is not prolonged,” he said.
Mr Brown said the Tribunal has not confirmed the dates of 2013 crushing to conclude.
“A review will be done in September upon reports provided by the Labasa, Penang, Rarawai and Lautoka Mills harvesting and crushing performance,” he said.
“All the mills are doing well with problems sorted out in due time to avoid delays. But constant sugar cane supply is essential to keep mills operational.
“Various factors are looked at before announcing the final date.
“One of the factors which stumble final dates of concluding is the amount of matured sugar cane still left for crushing.”
A locomotive loaded with sugar cane heading to the Penang Mill in Rakiraki on Sunday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR