Labasa Mill Crushed 95% Cane

Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) North Season heading into its last week - Vegnathan

As of yesterday Labasa mill crushed 95 per cent of the total cane. This was confirmed by the Assistant Minister for Sugar George Vegnathan. Now Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Labasa mill is expected to terminate the 2021 crushing season this Thursday.

Mr Vegnathan said the Sugar Industry Tribunal has requested all sugarcane growers in Labasa to ensure that all cane are harvested and delivered to the sugar mill.

Mr Vegnathan said with the date being scheduled all effort would be made to crush all cane.

“Farmers are urged to try and get maximum cane out,” Mr Vegnathan said.

To the farmers he advised them to get in touch with field officers if any assistance is needed.”

He said the ministry was working closely with sugar ministry to ensure all farmers are able to get cane out on tome.

“FIJIFIRST Government under leadership of Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama who is also Minister for sugar industry will not leave any stone unturned to assist our farmers,” he said.

“Mills have also been performing very well.”

He said many stoppages at Labasa mill has been due to poor cane supply.

Mill only resumes crushing once they have adequate supply.

This is why lorries cue up and wait until they have enough cane to start crushing.

Meanwhile, Fiji Cane Lorry Association Labasa president Mohammed Janab while delivering cane to the mill yesterday said they could sense now the urgency to rush with harvesting and transporting of cane.

“We were advised last month that the mill would close this month so it doesn’t come by surprise to us,” Mr Janab said.

“As usual there would be some who would do last minute job and I believe with few days given farmers need to speed up.”

Labasa Cane Lorry Tractor Drivers Club president Yusuf Hussain commended the efforts of the drivers battling cold, sun and rainy period to deliver cane to the mill.

“It has been a good season for us as farmers and drivers because Tropical Cyclone Yasa on December 17, 2020 and Tropical Cyclone Ana on January 31, 2021 had a devastating effect on cane production in the greater area of Labasa,” Mr Hussain said.

“We are aware about the date of closure and working very hard with the labourers to speed up with the work.”

He said they continue to experience favourable weather condition.

Meanwhile, Lautoka mill had completed 75 per cent crushing and Rarawai mill 60 per cent.