Cane supply to mills hits rock bottom

THE continuing dry weather has resulted in Amatikulu Mill only opening for the 2015/16 season today (Thursday), while Darnall Mill is expected to open in August.

The KZN north and south coasts are hardest hit with Empangeni, for example, reporting a 40% year-on-year crop reduction.

There are large areas where cane roots have died as a result of the drought and this, accompanied by two years of reduced yields, has resulted in costly replanting programmes which would normally only occur over an eight to 10 year cycle.

Considering the fact that many growers are in a poor financial position owing to increased input costs and a protracted period of low returns to sugar cane production, the impact of the dry conditions on the capacity of growers to implement proper ratoon management is of particular concern.

The South Africa Sugar Association says that the industry is expecting a 2015/16 output of 15.84-million tonnes according to its March estimates.

Mills such as Felixton, uMfolozi and Pongola, which are fed by irrigated cane, have not been badly affected, but with impending restrictions on irrigation in some areas, the situation could soon change.

Coastal rains

The Zululand region had coastal showers during Tuesday night, with the highest reported figure being 10mm in the Amatikulu region and Gingindlovu measuring 4.7mm.

The rain dropped off sharply to the north with St Lucia and Monzi recording 1.4mm, while Mtubatuba had 0.3mm.

SASRI in Empangeni recorded 2.9mm.

Northern Zululand SASRI weather stations at Pongola, Makhatini Flats, Mkhuze and Hluhluwe all reported no rainfall.

More stories on the sugar cane industry HERE 

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