CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Mr. Paul Bhim, during a telephone interview with this publication Monday,  indicated that the dry weather Guyana is currently experiencing is beneficial to the sugar industry.

He pointed out that sugarcane is currently being harvested, and this is best done in dry weather. He also that said the dry weather is good, to some extent, for ploughing and cultivation.
He noted that during the cultivation period, the dry weather had really assisted GuySuCo in the processes of road building and fertilizing.
Bhim highlighted that when sugarcane is exposed to more sunshine, an increased sucrose yield is achieved, and in the prolonged dry season, more sugar is derived from the canes, as compared to periods of less sunshine.
However, he said if the dry spell continues into next year, the industry may encounter some difficulties. He noted that Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) is experiencing a bit of rainfall, which should be adequate to sustain factory operations in that area.
He also related that the most worrisome issue is that the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) is currently low. Nevertheless, he related that the industry has measures in place in case additional water is needed.
Bhim added that these “back up” plans have been in place since a few months ago, when the corporation was advised of the coming dry spell. He said, though, that these measures have not had to be implemented to date, except that there was a water shortage at the Skeldon factory, and water had to be pumped there from Canje.
Asked to comment on the issue that people in the Uitvlugt/De Willem area on the West Coast of Demerara may be affected by dust from the Uitvlugt Sugar Factory, which was recently reported on in the media, Bhim said he is not aware of any dust affecting residents in the area, other than some cane dust which is prevalent when cane is being burnt.
He said this is not normally a major issue, but that the dust may be flying around more because the weather is so dry. However, he said that the Uivtlugt sugar factory is closing off operations this week, and the dust problem should no longer be an issue.
Bhim revealed that, as of yesterday morning, just over 200,000 tonnes of sugar had been produced thus far for the year, and the industry is approximately 35,000 tonnes short of the annual target.
He also indicated that production would continue until December 22nd, once sugarcane and labour are available.