THE Guyana Sugar Corporation has commenced its second crop with grinding on at least two estates, having produced 106,837 tonnes for the first crop, according to Deputy CEO of the Corporation, Rajaindra Singh. The corporation is said to be maintaining its 2011 target of 300,000 tonnes, despite a challenging first half of the year, due to the wet weather and continued industrial action.
GuySuCo has this year achieved its highest ever first-crop production in the last six years, despite falling short of its target of 138,791 tonnes. In the years 2002, 2003 and 2004, production was 128,699 tonnes, 127,961 tonnes and 127,610 tonnes respectively. By the end of the second crop this year, the industry has targeted itself to produce 298,879 tonnes.
The company performed its second crop estimates and had the agricultural staff go to the fields and assess the position of the cultivation. Singh is confident that with good weather, the company will be able to recover the shortfall of the first crop in the second crop.
GuySuCo said that for the first crop, the greatest shortfall came from Skeldon, which is designed for fully mechanised operation and to which the weather pattern during the first half of the year was very unkind.
During the first crop, which came to an end at Skeldon during the second week of May, Skeldon recorded 1,004 millimeters of rainfall, combined with the long term mean of approximately 375 millimetres of rainfall.
“Immediately, you would recognize that the first crop at Skeldon was very wet. Because of the nature of Skeldon’s operation, whenever it rains, it is not possible to do mechanical harvesting,” General Manager – Agricultural Services, Raymond Sangster, said.
Out of the total shortfall of approximately 27,000 tonnes, Skeldon alone accounted for over 20,000 tonnes, Sangster told this newspaper.
Singh said, “Once we can get to that 300,000 tonne mark, it would be the beginning of the turnaround in terms of the industry, including its cash flow situation. The last three years prior, we did below 250,000 tonnes. To break even in terms of cash flow, we have to achieve at least 280,000 tonnes. So if we can do that 300,000 tonnes, then we would be well placed to kick off for the next four years.
He said most of the aspects of the turnaround plan are being delivered upon, although some of them are delayed for various reasons.