Labasa Sugar Mill set to close November 26

The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Labasa Mill is expected to close on November 26 with the Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh confirming plans for the season’s end.

Mr Singh said the ministry would reconsider for extension if there were any stand-over canes on the farms.

This season, the Labasa mill’s target for Tonnes of Cane to Tonnes of Sugar (TCTS)10.5.

He said Labasa mill continues to set the national benchmark for efficiency, consistency and productivity in the Fijian sugar industry.

“Year after year, the Labasa mill has outperformed all other mills in the western division, consistently demonstrating what efficient and disciplined operations can achieve,” Mr Singh said.

“One of the issues we continue to face is the presence of unapproved cane varieties to the mill.”  

As of October 30, he said approximately 354 hectares remain under unapproved varieties while 184 hectares have already been successfully uprooted and replaced.

He urged farmers to comply as soon as possible to avoid disruption.

Mr Singh said as outlined in the Ministry of Sugar circular issued in April 2024, the FSC will cease accepting unapproved varieties for crushing from the 2026 crushing season.

“Therefore, I urge all farmers to cultivate approved varieties of cane which promotes high-yielding sugar,” he said.

The ministry is expected to continue monitoring the situation as the mill approaches its closure date.