𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶-𝗘𝘁𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗔𝗳𝗳𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 & 𝗦𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗸𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀

Dr. Vinesh Kumar, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs & Sugar Industry, convened a critical meeting with key industry leaders to address ongoing challenges affecting the Lautoka Mill during the current crushing season. The meeting included General Manager of FSC Lautoka Mill, Ilaitia Ratumainaceva, General Manager of SCGC, Sunil Chaudhary, and Acting CEO of SRIF, Sharneel Kumar.

The discussion focused on the Lautoka Mill’s performance, the quality of cane supplied, and the pressing issue of labor shortages, which have contributed to a significant decline in cane deliveries. It was noted with concern that only 61% of manual labor gangs are currently operating in the Lautoka Mill area — the lowest participation rate among the three sugar mills. To address this issues, Dr. Kumar instructed SCGC to collaborate closely with FSC to mobilize additional labor gangs and normalize cane supply levels.

The Ministry is also actively working with stakeholders to find solutions to mitigate the problems related to burnt cane. Furthermore, SRIF was tasked with expediting cane quality testing to develop effective strategies aimed at improving cane standards.

Dr. Kumar urged all stakeholders to commit to working around the clock throughout the crushing season to ensure that farmers receive the necessary support. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation and announced that such meetings will be held weekly to monitor progress and swiftly address emerging challenges.

This collaborative approach reflects the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining the sugar industry, supporting farmers, and enhancing the operational efficiency of the Lautoka Mill.