The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has expressed concern over the sharp decline in sugar quality this season, reporting that more than 90 per cent of the cane arriving at its mills is burnt — a trend now affecting both sugar grade and the tonnes-cane-to-tonne-sugar (TCTS) ratio, reports Fiji Sun.
FSC chairman Nitya Reddy urged farmers to stop panic harvesting and burning, warning that the continued supply of burnt cane is “seriously compromising” the quality of sugar meant for international markets.
His warning comes as crushing resumed at the Rarawai Mill in Ba last Friday, following what he described as the most extensive restoration project in the industry’s 140-year history.
The mill was restored in 78 days, despite 10 days being lost due to restricted access to the fire-damaged site and delays in sourcing crucial electrical and instrumentation parts.
Reddy said FSC’s in-house engineering teams, along with external suppliers, completed the project under difficult procurement and financial conditions.
He noted that minor operational issues may still arise as the new mechanical systems stabilise, but thanked workers, contractors, farmers, harvesting gangs and transport operators for their cooperation during the mill’s shutdown.
About 140,000 tonnes of cane are still to be harvested in Viti Levu. FSC said it will continue crushing for as long as it remains economically feasible and has called on all stakeholders to coordinate their efforts to ensure an orderly end to the season.
