The Fiji Sugar Corporation has raised serious concerns with widespread harvesting of cane with the growers not meeting the quota's required for crushing.
In a market announcement, FSC Media Liaison Officer Samuela Railoa said a quota system is in place to ensure that cane harvested and delivered is aligned to the capacity of the mill to process the harvested cane.
He said unfortunately, growers have been harvesting and delivering cane without quota with the expectation that the cane will be crushed.
Railoa said concerns have been repeatedly raised on the apparent lack of discipline in the field to harvest cane in accordance to the quota.
Meanwhile, on the performance of the Rarawai Mill, Railoa confirmed that the mill has commenced crushing following extensive works carried out during the season.
He said, unfortunately, the main boiler at the mill developed problems and could not generate enough steam for factory performance.
He said this is a 31 year old boiler which was to be replaced through the Cogeneration Project and had to be deferred due to inadequate cane production.
Railoa said their engineers are working around the clock to improve the performance of the boiler.
Story by: Roneel Lal
