FSC Tells: Boost In Crush At Mills

The Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd (FSC) is pleased to announce that as of 30 September, it has crushed 1.04 million tonnes of sugarcane at its three sugar mills.

On an average, each mill was able to crush around 30,000MT of cane per week, a feat last achieved some 10 years back.

Whilst the COVID pandemic has been the mainstay news item for most of the year, the stakeholders in the sugar industry have gone ahead quietly with their business of cane harvesting and crushing despite the challenges.

The effects of Covid-19 delayed the start of the season due to late arrival of factory plant and equipment due to freight issues and port closures.

The mills also experienced a slow start to the season due to low cane supply initially. However, the supply improved progressively with no major disruption experienced during the crushing season.

The commitment and perseverance from the growers, the cane lorry associations and industry stakeholders has been the major contributing factor to the success of this crushing season.

The pleasant weather prevailing across Fiji also contributed to consistent cane supply to the mills.

Prior to commencement of crushing season, sugar cane crop in Vanua Levu were severely impacted due to TC Yasa, salt-water invasion and flooding.

This resulted in a decline in crop yields from the earlier forecasted tonnage.

So far, FSC has paid $36.2M as cane delivery payment for the cane harvested and supplied to the mills.

It is expected that the crushing at the Labasa Mill will end by the 8th of October while the Lautoka and Rarawai mills are progressing with the crushing season.

FSC received three bulk sugar export vessels in September and was able to fulfil sugar shipments orders to UK and USA and Molasses shipment to Jamaica and Trinidad.

FSC wishes to acknowledge the efforts of all stakeholders and the mill employees for an efficient and productive crushing season so far despite the lockdowns and health protocols.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj