Labasa: The Labasa Sugar Mill has reported strong performance in the ongoing crushing season, achieving better efficiency levels compared to other mills in the country.
According to Charan Jeath Singh, the mill has recorded a Tonnes Cane to Tonnes Sugar (TCTS) ratio of about 9 per cent, lower than the roughly 12 per cent seen at other mills, indicating improved efficiency, FBC News reported.
The minister said several operational issues faced in previous seasons have been resolved, leading to faster truck turnaround times and reduced waiting periods for farmers delivering cane.
However, he noted that maintenance remains a challenge, as most mills are ageing, with the Labasa facility being over 140 years old. He said maintenance teams are working continuously, though breakdowns still occur due to worn-out parts, some of which need to be imported.
Singh added that the government is considering bringing in engineers from India and is also receiving technical support from Indian companies to strengthen operations.
He also warned farmers that this is the final year of the three-year grace period given to phase out unapproved sugarcane varieties. He said such varieties result in lower sugar recovery and warned that mills may refuse to accept them in future.
The government has provided grants to help farmers switch to approved cane varieties suited to different regions. Officials said enforcing this shift is essential to improving overall sugar output and ensuring better efficiency across Fiji's sugar industry.