THE Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has commenced its 2015 second crop across the industry, and has set itself a production target of 146,300 tonnes.

A GuySuCo statement has said that Albion, Rose Hall and the East Demerara Estates are in the second week of grinding, while Blairmont Estate is in its third week.

The factories at Skeldon, Wales and Uitvlugt estates reportedly commenced grinding on Saturday, August 15, 2015. Cane-harvesting on those estates commenced on Thursday, August 13, 2015, and the corporation has thus far recorded one weekly production incentive, which was achieved at Blairmont, the release disclosed.

The release also noted that as of Thursday, August 13, 2015, three cane-harvesting strikes resulting in the loss of 685 man days has been recorded.

“Rose Hall is the worst affected in this respect. One of the harvesting gangs is now on strike for the fourth consecutive day, making demands for exorbitant payments which are not consistent with the agreed rates of payment,” the statement noted.

Despite those issues, the current production for the crop stands at 8,419 tonnes.

(Navendra Seoraj)