The sugar industry is facing a growing crisis as a significant portion of harvested cane continues to arrive at mills already burnt, jeopardizing both sugar quality and export market access. According to industry officials, more than 60% of cane supplied to mills this season has been burnt, either deliberately or due to accidental fires in the fields. Burnt cane reduces sugar recovery rates and affects the final product’s purity — issues that could lead to export rejections or reduced global competitiveness. “Burnt cane severely impacts production efficiency and profitability,” said a senior mill manager. “It not only shortens the milling window but also compromises the quality of sugar we can supply to international buyers. ” Experts warn that unless urgent measures are taken — including stricter enforcement of harvesting regulations, farmer education on fire prevention, and improved field management — the crisis could deepen, affecting thousands of livelihoods dependent on the sugar sector. The sugar industry, a key contributor to rural employment and export earnings, now faces the twin challenge of maintaining production volumes while ensuring compliance with international quality standards. Several countries importing sugar have reportedly expressed concern over quality issues linked to burnt cane shipments. Authorities have pledged to increase monitoring and provide support to growers to prevent field fires and reduce losses in the coming weeks.
