Labasa mill targets 610,000 tonnes of cane in 2026 season

The Fiji Sugar Corporation’s Labasa mill is targeting around 610,000 tonnes of cane for the 2026 crushing season, an increase from last year when more than 580,000 tonnes were processed.

The season was officially opened yesterday, with growers and industry stakeholders gathering to mark the start of crushing operations in the North.

Seaqaqa farmer and businessman Aiyub Khan, who was chief guest at the opening, expressed optimism about the season despite ongoing challenges facing the industry.

Mr Khan, who owns 10 farms covering 60 acres, said growers remained hopeful of a strong harvest.

“As we officially open the 2026 crushing season today, July 2, may this year bring prosperity in the harvest,” he said.

FSC Labasa Mill general manager Navin Charan said the 2026 season has been dedicated as “A salute to the cane growers of the North.”

He said the mill aims to complete crushing within 21 weeks, but operations began two weeks later than planned due to factors beyond its control.

“To finish the season, the mill needs more than 30,000 tonnes of cane per week, which is over 5,000 tonnes per day,” Mr Charan said.

He said the opening of the season was also an opportunity to recognise the resilience and hard work of cane farmers.

“We gather not just to begin production, but to honour the resilience, sacrifice and hard work of our sugarcane farmers,” he said.

Mr Charan acknowledged the demanding nature of cane farming and said the day marked the start of harvesting for growers.

“Today is indeed for the farmers, and they can now begin harvesting their cane,” he said.