The Sugar Research Institute is confident that at least one point seven million tonnes of cane will be crushed this season.

Acting chief executive, Prem Naidu says due to two natural disasters in April they expected the cane production to be around one point five million tonnes.

However, Naidu says a recent survey revealed that cane crop is growing well and they expect the results to improve.

He says many cane fields that were affected by flood waters were quickly taken care off as water was removed on time.

Naidu says the crops are healthy and ready for harvest.