The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) fell short of its production target for the first crop by 1%, with output reaching 33,531 metric tonnes of sugar. This was noted in the Finance Ministry’s 2019 Half Year Report which was released earlier today.
According to the document, there were delays in the start of production that were due to the late delivery of materials for critical repairs to boilers in all factories, as well as extended equipment maintenance at the Uitvlugt factory. Thus, the commencement of cane harvesting was pushed to late February. However, once harvesting began, the report noted that industry yields were higher than the same period last year, by 1.4%, with considerable gains being made at Uitvlugt.
It was further noted that there were noticeable improvements in the recovery of sugar at both the Uitvlugt and Blairmont estates. The Corporation estimates that production for the second crop will be 73,516 metric tonnes, resulting in a growth rate of 2.3% in 2019, down from the 15.6% estimated at the time of the Budget.
In addition, the ministry said in its report that the first round of cane assessment for the 2019 second crop was completed; while noting that the canes are relatively well-grown and continue to develop in favourable conditions. However, it was noted that delays in the procurement of inputs, including fertilisers and spare parts, could affect production for the remainder of 2019, as well as 2020.
