By RACHNA LAL and LITIA MATHEWSELL
Ethanol production in Fiji using molasses could save Fiji around 12 million litres of fuel importation, says Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) executive chairman, Abdul Khan.
Mr Khan said this can be achieved by mixing ethanol with fuel to get E10 blend.
“Presently, we export our molasses for stock feed and for conversion into alcohol,” he said.
His comments come as a draft review report prepared by a Brazilian company on Ethanol production in Fiji has been handed over to the corporation.
Mr Khan said: “We hope to return our comments to tem in the next couple of days and have the final report with us by the end of the month.”
“Upon completion of the report, this will be given to the ethanol committee made up of Government and FSC.
“Also we will call for expression of interest from potential investors in Fiji for such a project.
“Based on final approval, including E10 blend approval, we will be able to start the project and have it completed within two years.”
Reminder to farmers
Meanwhile, sugarcane farmers have been once again being reminded to ensure consistent supply of cane to their respective mills.
The call by the Sugar Cane Growers Council follows continual concerns by the Fiji Sugar Corporation over low and inconsistent supply of cane.
This had sparked operational shut downs to the Lautoka Mill in the past week.
The mill had shut past Friday and resumed operations on Sunday.
Council acting chief executive officer Sundresh Chetty as far as harvesting and transportation of cane is concerned, it’s the responsibility of cane growers to arrange for cutters and transport to the mills.
“The Government has invested heavily in the sugarcane industry, particularly in upgrading the mills, and there have been remarkable improvements in mill performances over the past two years,” he said.
“The tonnes of cane to tonnes of sugar (TCTS) ratio has improved significantly so the onus is now on the growers to produce more cane and get it harvested and delivered to the mills on time to take advantage of better cane payment.”
Mr Chetty is also reminding cane growers that when the mills stop processing, there will be no compensation for standover cane if it is left in the fields because of lack of effort.
“Apart from incurring additional processing costs to the mills, the stop-start situation at the mills is also having negative impact on the TCTS,” he said.
Mr Chetty stressed growers should take advantage of the favourable weather conditions and put in every effort to supply fresh green cane to the mills before the wet weather sets in incurring additional costs.