The Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited (FSC) is urging cane growers to avoid burning sugarcane, saying high levels of burnt cane are continuing to affect milling operations and sugar recovery.

In a statement released on July 30, FSC said burnt cane accounted for 20 per cent of all cane delivered nationally since the start of the 2026 crushing season, as of 7am on July 29.

During the 24-hour period leading up to that time, burnt cane made up 55 per cent of deliveries to Rarawai Mill, 44 per cent at Lautoka Mill and 12 per cent at Labasa Mill.

FSC says burning causes cane to deteriorate quickly, reducing its natural sugar content and making sugar recovery more difficult during milling.

Burnt cane also contains higher levels of impurities, requiring additional chemicals and treatment during processing. The Corporation says this can extend processing times, increase equipment wear and raise maintenance and operating costs.

FSC says the continued delivery of burnt cane is also contributing to lower factory throughput and daily sugar production.

The Corporation says its ongoing efforts to improve mill reliability, operational efficiency and sugar recovery are being undermined by the high volumes of burnt cane being processed.

FSC is encouraging growers to harvest green cane wherever practical and deliver it to mills as soon as possible.

It says fresh, high-quality cane can improve sugar recovery, increase factory efficiency and reduce processing costs, helping strengthen the sugar industry.

The Corporation has acknowledged growers who continue to supply fresh and quality cane and is calling for continued cooperation throughout the remainder of the 2026 crushing season.