Cloud over first sugar shipment

SUGAR industry stakeholders are doubtful the Fiji Sugar Corporation will meet its quota of 29,000 tonnes of sugar for the first shipment which is due at the end of the month.

With Lautoka and Labasa mill producing a combined total of 15,000 tonnes of sugar with a crush of 152,000 tonnes of cane, industry stakeholders have cast their doubt on sugar production meeting the shipment quota.

The Sugar Ministry earlier this month said the four mills needed to be in full operation in order for Fiji to meets its quota to the European Union.

Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the mills needed to operate so that Fiji could meet its quota for August, September and October. The FSC, for the same period last year, produced 26,900 tonnes of sugar. Penang Mill has crushed 60,000 tonnes of sugar cane while Rarawai crushed about 5400 tonnes as of 3pm on Monday.

Sugar Cane Growers Council chairman Jain Kumar said Rarawai mill had resumed crushing while Lautoka Mill's shredder started working yesterday following a brief stop on Monday.

Farmers in Ba said rail was used to supply cane to the mill. Farmers who spoke to the Fiji Times said the cool months were ideal for harvesting cane and sugar content was high.

Mr Kumar said the council was hoping to meet with the sugar ministry and table a report asking for quick action to kick-start crushing at the Lautoka mill.

FSC said in a statement it disseminated information to the growers through its sector offices.

"Growers are informed of the state of crushing at Lautoka mill," it said.

source: fijitimes