The future of the Lautoka Sugar Mill hangs in the balance, with industry leaders warning that the mill’s operations could be reassessed within the next 10 days unless cane deliveries improve significantly.
In a joint statement, the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) and the Sugar Industry Tribunal (SIT) said the mill is receiving well below the volume of cane needed to sustain continuous crushing operations.
The Lautoka Mill normally requires between 5,000 and 5,500 tonnes of cane per day, but since the start of the crushing season it has received an average of only 2,800 tonnes daily.
The three organisations warned that unless deliveries increase immediately, the mill’s ability to operate efficiently will continue to be affected.
They have jointly called on cane growers, harvesting gangs, mechanical harvester operators, harvesting contractors, rail and lorry transport operators, and all other stakeholders to immediately harvest and deliver cane to the Lautoka Mill.
“Every effort should be made to maximise cane deliveries over the coming days to support continuous mill operations.”
The statement said the cane supply situation will be closely monitored over the next 10 days, with all stakeholders urged to work together to maximise deliveries.
At the end of the monitoring period, the Sugar Industry Tribunal will assess the prevailing cane supply and determine the appropriate course of action regarding the future operations of the Lautoka Mill.
“The next 10 days are critical.”
The three organisations said a sustained improvement in cane deliveries during the monitoring period would enable the Tribunal to make an informed decision on the mill’s future based on the prevailing circumstances.
The appeal comes as the industry seeks to maintain uninterrupted crushing operations for the benefit of growers and the wider sugar sector.
