There has been solid performance from Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) mills this past week.

Labasa Mill notched the highest tonnage crushed in 24-hour period on August 3, crushing 5,832 tonnes of cane for this season.

Lautoka Mill has crushed back-to-back over 5000 tonnes a day recording season high of 5736 tonnes on  August 2.

Lautoka Mill has crushed 98,120 tonnes of cane so far this year, which is 13 per cent up compared to last year.

Fiji’s largest mill has now settled well into the crushing season and FSC are seeing good consistent results.

Cane supply has also started to normalise steadily and waiting time at the mill have reduced.

FSC’s chief operating officer Navin Chandra said: “It is great to see Lautoka now consistently crushing well and we have started reaping the benefits of the investments done in the Mill.

“Our aim is to link up production in the early hours of the morning when the cane supply thins out but work is happening to get mechanically harvested cane earlier so that Mill does not stop in the mornings.”

Labasa Mill has crushed over 5000 tonnes consistently from July 26 for nine days out of the 10 days thereafter.

On average 400 lorries and 350 rails are emptied daily.

To date, Fiji’s only northern mill has crushed a total of 176,477 tonnes of cane and processed 18,682 tonnes of sugar.

With tonnes of cane to tonnes of sugar (TCTS)  four per cent better than last year, three per cent more sugar has been made compared to same period last year Mr Chandra said that cane supply in Labasa is good with over 80 per cent of the gangs are operational.

“Everyone is making an effort to get maximum green cane harvested in the dry spell and mill should always gear up to match the demand,” Mr Chandra said.

Rarawai Mill has for the season crushed 50,145 tonnes of cane, which is slightly higher than last year.

Work is continuing in Rarawai Mill to ensure consistent run and FSC is set to achieve its budgeted run rates.

Mr Chandra said: “This mill was under a metre of flood water, twice, few months ago and is starting to bounce back.

“It is very important that we back any discussions or conclusions based on facts and comparative data.

“In the last nine days, we have crushed over 111,851 tonnes, emptying 8467 lorries and 6520 rail trucks which is more than what was crushed in the same period in all three mills last year.”

FSC continues to be encouraged with the collaboration between the industry partners, cane farmers, lorry owners and drivers, the Government and FSC.

Whilst the crushing season is continuing, FSC has reminded growers on the need to plant more cane especially in the fallow lands and also consider ploughing out old ratoons.

Soil preparation and good seed cane complemented with good weather is essential for a good yield.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj