Temporary shutdown of factory takes harvest into rainy season

Industry insiders say that the quality of cane was greatly improved in this crop and that the temporary shut-down of the factory will extend the harvest into the rainy season. That scenario is likely to compromise the quality of the cane. Ortega also says that farmers are bound to be hit in the pockets.

Via Phone: Alfredo Ortega

“Well, really it will affect in many ways. The farmers, it will affect them economically and also it will carry on the crop for three weeks more than anticipated based on this problem that they are experiencing. But most of all it will be economically because drivers, cutters and everyone will be feeling the pinch at this point in time because as you know, we started somewhat late in December and we have been running quite good at this point in time but it has not been in a way that you can say the cutters and drivers are making a lot of money. So it’s only from hand to mouth that is being done at this point in time.”

Delahnie Bain

alfredo Ortega

“What about the overall projected production for the season? How will it affect that?”

Via Phone: Alfredo Ortega

“We’re experiencing at this time since harvesting started the effects of grasshoppers and rats and the weather had created a low yield per acre. But we are seeing that yes we might be able to comply exactly with the one point one million that we had agreed in the M.O.U. we signed with B.S.I.”

Delahnie Bain

“And this closure won’t affect that amount?”

Via Phone: Alfredo Ortega

“It will not affect in a certain way but yes it will affect if we have heavy rains coming down somewhat early. But if we continue with this type of weather that we have and the system that we have put in place at this time in regards to harvesting, it might affect so much.”

Since its installation, the BELCOGEN plant has experienced a number of mechanical problems, which caused a shortfall in sugar production in 2010. When we contacted B.S.I. for comment, we were told that we would need to speak to the factory manager, but he was in a meeting.