BACOLOD City – Sugar farmer groups have approached the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) requesting a delay in the start of the milling season by at least two weeks, aiming for a more beneficial outcome for the industry.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona disclosed that multiple requests have been received from agricultural associations advocating for the postponement.
Historically, the SRA has delayed the milling season start, such as in 2003 when it was pushed to September 1, two weeks later than initially scheduled. This year, the proposed start date is September 15. Major mill operators, including Victorias Milling Company and Universal Robina Corporation (URC), have expressed no objections to the delay.
Renato Cabati, managing director of URC, emphasized the importance of synchronizing the commencement of operations across mills, particularly in Negros Occidental, which typically starts milling ahead of other regions.
Azcona noted that last year’s agreement to begin on September 15 this season was made without foreseeing the prolonged drought’s impact, which has significantly affected crop yields.
“Harvesting the canes by September 15 will yield less sugar for farmers,” he explained.
The administrator highlighted potential operational challenges if farmers delay cutting their canes, leading to intermittent mill operations and increased costs. Efficient and full-capacity running of mills is crucial, he added.
During the Philippine Sugar Technologists Association (Philsutect) Convention 2024 in Cebu City, Azcona urged Terence Uygongko of the Philippine Sugar Millers Association to facilitate a unified decision among mill operators that benefits all stakeholders, especially the farmers. He proposed that incentives and loans be offered to mitigate the impact of income delays on smaller farmers, emphasizing that a collective postponement could lead to higher yields and increased profits.
Furthermore, Azcona mentioned that mills in Luzon are planning to delay their opening by a month. He also hinted that the upcoming Sugar Order No. 1 would mandate that 100 percent of produced sugar be classified as “B” sugar, targeting the domestic market./PN
