.jpg)
Additionally, Bhim declared that the rainy season, typical of this time of the year, is apparently stepping in, and may pose a challenge for the corporation in “slowing things up a bit”.
In a previous interview with this newspaper, Bhim had stated that the extended dry period being experienced in the country was ideal for sugar production. He had noted that while the dry weather is good for processes such as ploughing and cultivation, the sugarcanes themselves contain higher sucrose levels when exposed to more sunlight, hence producing more sugar.
Despite all the challenges that GuySuCo now faces, the CEO stressed, industry executives remain optimistic at their chances of achieving the annual target of 236,000 tonnes.
He said they are hoping that the rainy season holds off a little longer because six factories are still in operation. He noted that they had not planned for the factories to continue working so late in the year, but once sugarcane is still available, factories should continue operating until around December 21.
Bhim further revealed that, thus far for the year, 206,130 tonnes of sugar have been produced, creating a shortfall of a mere 30,000 tonnes to achieve the targeted production for 2012.
Meanwhile, Mr. Seepaul Narine, General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), disclosed that the union and GuySuCo yesterday concluded discussions on the Annual Production Incentive (API) for employees.
According to him, it was agreed that for every 32,250 tonnes of sugar produced, one day’s pay would be awarded to all employees across the board, and this would be calculated at the end of the year, when production has been closed.
