October 7, 2024 | 12:00am
BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Sugar output recorded in the first three weeks of the milling season this year has dropped by 96 percent compared to 2023, according to the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
The milling season started on Sept. 15 and so far, only 5,645 tons of sugar have been produced.
The figure is lower than the 134,780 tons recorded during the same period last year.
SRA chief Pablo Azcona said several milling companies and organizations have expressed readiness to mill, but only a few tons of sugarcane have been brought in for milling.
Azcona said farmers have claimed that they were not ready for the milling season as their sugarcane plants have not yet reached full maturity. He said farmers are expecting to obtain a higher produce if they delay the harvest or wait for the sugarcane to fully mature.
With the current situation, Azcona said he expects the peak of the milling season to suffer a delay as major sugarcane planters are planning to start milling on Oct. 15.
This year’s sugarcane production also decreased by 15 percent due to the El Niño phenomenon, the SRA said.
Azcona gave assurance that supply and retail prices of sugar would remain stable.
While the SRA does not want to import refined sugar, Azcona said the agency was compelled to do so as sugar millers and refiners did not commit to provide a steady supply of the commodity.
Earlier, the SRA announced the importation of 240,000 tons of refined sugar to maintain its buffer stock and ensure suficient supply and stable prices.
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