The Labasa Sugar Mill has crushed around 81,000 tonnes of cane in the first four weeks compared to 92,637 tonnes for the same period last year.

The Fiji Sugar Corporation says the Mill has been receiving low cane supply.

The FSC says there were stoppages at the start of crushing due to conveyor chokes.

It says the mill management are in regular communication with the field and logistics teams, as well as the growers on the stops at the Mill.

However the FSC says the mill’s efficiency has increased significantly from 77% last year to approximately 97% this year.

The FSC says daily crush volumes in excess of 5, 000 tonnes are now being achieved in line with production targets at the Labasa Mill.

Meanwhile the Lautoka Mill, has crushed a total of 21,325 tonnes of cane in the first two weeks.

The Rarawai Mill in Ba will begin crushing from Tuesday.

The FSC says all pre-start-up preparations and factory trials are progressing as planned at Rarawai.