THE Labasa Sugar Mill fell short of its 605,000-tonne cane-crushing target for the 2026 season, having crushed 269,283 tonnes of cane at the time of its closing ceremony yesterday.
Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) chief operating officer Mikaele Biukoto said the mill had also produced 51,451 tonnes of sugar, with a final run still expected to improve its figures.
“When I was looking through the figures for Labasa, I noted that the mill had crushed 269,283 tonnes of cane and also made 51,451 tonnes of sugar, giving a TCTS ratio of 9.1,” he said.
Mr Biukoto said the mill was hoping to reduce its tonnes of cane to tonnes of sugar (TCTS) ratio from 9:1 to nine before completing the season.
“With this last run that we have prepared, we would be able to make a little bit more sugar and also be able to drive the TCTS down to nine.”
He said the mill would need to make the most of the remaining cane and sugar stock to improve its production figures.
“There are some canes left to be crushed.”
He said the season had been difficult, particularly because of problems experienced at the beginning of crushing.
“We know it was a difficult year because we had issues at the front part of the season.
“We are thankful that good sense prevailed, and we were able to start the mill for the 2026 season.”
He thanked the workers for their efforts and acknowledged the support their families had provided throughout the season.
“For everyone that is in the mill, there is somebody at home providing that assistance.”
He said workers needed to remain focused on crushing all available cane, completing the boil-out process and preparing for the 2027 season.
