Sugar production now stands at 199,000 tonnes

THE sugar production target for 2014 is likely to be met, according to GuySuCo Human Resource Director, Mr. Jairam Pitam, who added that as of yesterday production stands at 199,000 tonnes. 

He also told this newspaper that last week’s torrential rains caused some estates to lose three days but operations resumed yesterday.
“We did not have any losses in terms of the actual crop, what we lost was three days, three opportunity days, but operations have resumed and we are hoping that once the weather holds harvesting will continue and we will be able to meet the target,” Pitam said.
The overall target for 2014 was moved from 216,000 tonnes to 219,000 tonnes. The first crop was successful, surpassing the 75,000 tonnes target, bringing in about 80,000 tonnes.

$6B ALLOCATION

Additionally, a $6B allocation in the 2014 National Budget for GuySuCo was approved by the National Assembly. The $6B is expected to cover expenditures that include mechanisation, through the conversion of 2,500 hectares of land to be suitable for mechanical operations, which will be done at a cost of $1.1B, tillage and replanting of 9,200 hectares, both efforts being consistent with improving cane production and yield, which will be done at a cost $1B, factory upgrading of all sugar estates, including Skeldon, at a cost of $2B and works to field infrastructure to improve field to factory access and purchasing of equipment, excavators, bell loaders, tractors, etc. to account for the remainder of the allocation.
Despite the dismal sugar production in 2013, Guyana has been taking steps to turn around the sugar industry and hopes to meet the 300,000 tonnes target soon, with a projection that the sector will reach its 400,000 tonne goal by 2020.
Despite its challenges, the industry, according to Government, remains relevant to the health of the national economy. In 2013, sugar exports accounted for 8.3 per cent of total exports valued at US$112.2M and the industry contributed 3.9 per cent of the country’s GDP.

(Vanessa Narine)

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