Sugar industry aims for 150mn tonne output
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Thailand's sugar millers set the goal to boost sugar cane output to 150 million tonnes within 3 years, banking on an integrated approach that covers breedings, irrigation, machinery and harvesting.
Cherdpong Siriwit, chairman of the 3 Thai Sugar Mills Association, said that the target was reached at the annual conference whereby 47 sugar millers attended. All see the need in enhancing Thailand's competitiveness ahead of the activation of the Asean Economic Community in 2015.
"Aside from the best breeds, we discussed on machinery upgrade and irrigation. If all areas are covered, within 3 years, the output would be raised to 150 million tonnes as expected," he said.
Sugar production in Thailand, the second-largest exporter, may reach a record for a third year in the season from November as millers expand capacity to meet rising regional demand, according to an industry group. The cane harvest may total 103 million to 105 million tonnes this year.
