Fiji Sugar Corporation has admitted the Tonnes of Cane to Tonnes of Sugar (TCTS) ratio at the Lautoka mill currently is 15.3.
This means the mill is crushing 15.3 tonnes of cane to make one tonne of sugar.
“The TCTS figure of 15.3 units is largely attributable to field-level cane quality rather than mill inefficiency,” said FSC Chairman, Nitya Reddy.
He said analysis of quality parameters of cane received at Lautoka mill reveal and average cane quality (POCS) of 9.3 units.
The POCS is the recoverable sugar that is contained in the cane supplied to the mills.
“Ideally, the expected POCS is required to be in the range of 13.0 – 14.5 unts.”
Mr Reddy added the average cane purity as at 14th July is very low at 77.9 units.
“This indicates higher impurity loading coming from the field. Ideally, cane purity is expected to be above 82.0 units.”
He added over 89% of cane is delivered after 24 hours of harvest, with 34% delayed over 72 hours.
“Delayed cane results in loss of sucrose and impacts on milling efficiency as well as TCTS.”
“In the first 6 week of crush Lautoka has received burnt cane in the range of 12-20% on daily basis. Burnt cane also adversely impacts on the milling efficiency and TCTS.”
Mr Reddy said Lautoka mill encountered a few mechanical setbacks, including boiler tube failures and condenser issues.
“These incidents resulted in major stoppages totalling over 130 hours in the three major events.”
“The current milling capacity utilization stands at less than 70% due to reduced cane supply, forcing the Corporation to prioritize operational continuity.”
