Pan Caribbean investment sparking new interest in sugar cane production
Published:Friday | January 10, 2025 | 12:07 AM
WESTERN BUREAU:
Zudui Zhang, chairman and CEO of the Westmoreland-based Pan Caribbean Sugar Company Limited, predicts an improvement in sugar cane production this year over last year’s 2,500 tonnes, despite challenges from natural disasters and stray animals.
This optimistic forecast follows the company’s investment of over US$1 million to enhance operations at the Frome-based factory. The investment includes new harvesting equipment, tractors, and cane carts.
“With this equipment, we anticipate a better production ratio than before. If the results are favourable, more investments will follow,” said Zhang after a high-level meeting and tour of the factory by Agriculture Minister Floyd Green, cane farmers, and other key stakeholders.
The newly acquired equipment will be deployed for harvesting across various locations in the parish, with the new crop year starting this week.
Zhang, also the operations manager at Frome Sugar Factory, highlighted the issue of stray animals damaging the crops.
“Stray animals bite the roots of the growing cane, delaying harvesting and affecting quality,” he explained.
Agriculture Minister Floyd Green noted that the sugar sector is experiencing a positive growth phase. He stated the Government’s commitment to supporting this sector in 2025, focusing on collaboration with private sector partners to drive growth.
However, Green cautioned that this year’s yields might decline slightly due to last year’s Hurricane Beryl and persistent rainfalls.
“The canes planted last year endured both the winds from Hurricane Beryl and rains from Tropical Storm Rafael, leading to a downturn in overall production,” said Green.
As the sector gains momentum, more farmers are seeking lands for sugarcane cultivation. Pan Caribbean Sugar Company has been encouraging farmers to return to the fields, promising support and increased profitability due to improved efficiency.
“What pleased me during discussions with farmers and the harvesting committee is that Frome is now encouraging farmers to reinvest in sugar cane production, highlighting that it is now profitable,” said Green.