SUGAR PRODUCTIVITY-TIME TO MAKE AN OMELETTE

SUGAR PRODUCTIVITY IS directly linked to the profitability of the sugar industry through the simple formula: Profitability = (Sugar price x Sugar yield) – expenses. The adoption of new technologies developed in the 1930–1950 period resulted in a rapid increase in sugar yield between 1950 and late 1970s. This rapid increase in sugar yield stalled soon after that and has since almost flat-lined. This is despite a 200% increase in research publication output, directed at sugar productivity drivers, as recorded on the ASSCT website in the past 26 years, compared with the preceding 60 years. In this paper, we examine sugar productivity drivers, considering the key ones limiting sugar production and whether they can be better managed, increased or manipulated. A term ‘sub-district target yield’ is introduced for use as a realistic productivity target for local growers. A method for determining the sub-district target yield is briefly outlined and priorities set for addressing key industry issues to increase sugar productivity over the next 10 years.