WHILE cane supply may not have lived up to expectations, the Fiji Sugar Corporation says cane quality is reasonably high during the first few days of crushing at Lautoka and Penang mills.
FSC executive chairman Abdul Khan said the quality of cane was a good sign for the 2012 season.
"The first lot of analysis shows that the cane is of reasonable quality, especially for this early in the processing season," he said.
"Although cane supply may not be as expected, it is good to see this picking up."
Mr Khan said both Western Division mills were operating well and not expected to present any major issues as crushing progressed.
"These first few days are going quite well. We have had a few teething issues as adjustments are being made and the machines settle down," he said.
Crushing began at the Labasa mill on Thursday and sugar production at Rarawai mill in Ba is scheduled to start on July 10.
Mr Khan said in regards to the Ba mill, a further update was expected to be made yesterday on the commencement date.
Cane supply to the Lautoka and Penang mills has been hampered by poor cane access road conditions.