The Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar, Commodore Frank Bainimarama said the reforms the government has initiated in the sugar industry will ensure its continued viability and sustainability.

Bainimarama following a briefing provided to him by the Fiji Sugar Corporation Board and management said there has been a lot of work done on mill upgrading, improving processes and putting in place systems that will ensure smooth functioning in the mills and crushing of fresh cane for most of the season.

He said he has been assured by the FSC Board and Management that preparatory work in all the four mills are progressing well.

He said with the assurances given about a good 2009 season, the government is now focusing on facilitating improvements on the production side for the 2010 season and beyond.

The FSC is expected to crush around 2.38 million tonnes of sugarcane, yielding about 249,000 tonnes of sugar which will bring income for the country of around $261 million based on the forecast price of $61.17 per tonne.

Crushing will start before mid June except for Rarawai Mill which could face a slight delay, due to damages caused by the floods in January and will begin crushing around the third week of June.