The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) mill is operating efficiently without any teething problems, said Permanent Secretary for Sugar Viliame Gucake during his visit to Labasa yesterday.

He said like last year, this year again the mill would close the crushing season next month.

“The mill is able to crush cane efficiently and that is the reason the mill will close early,” Mr Gucake said.

“I have seen lines of lorry drivers with loads of cane parked in front of FSC mill and I am glad that everything is functioning well.”

He said he cannot confirm which date the mill would close as the crushing season continues.

“However, looking at the performance of the mill and the tonnes of sugar stored, we are very happy to note that everything is going as planned,” Mr Gucake said.

“Compared to other FSC mills , Labasa FSC mill is on the top list in terms of performance.”

Meanwhile, Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman, Abdul Khan, also came for a day visit to Labasa Mill.

Mr Khan said his visit was part of his regular calls to all the mills to discuss various matters and the opportunity to improve the performance of the industry.

“On all such trips, I do take the opportunity to meet FSC Labasa mill staff as well as lorry drivers and farmers,” Mr Khan said.

“A shipment of 32,500 tonnes has just left Malau in Labasa and the next similar shipment is scheduled to be loaded at the end of this year.”