Cuba on sugar production

Authorities in Cuba say they are doubtful that the island will meet its sugar production targets this season, as the state run mills are operating below expectations.



Industry officials have set a target of 1.5 million tonnes of raw sugar, but reports say the country is averaging 63 per cent of potential capacity.



They say improved efficiency is needed to equal the previous harvest output of 815 thousand acres of cane.



Last September the industry took a hit from Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, which destroyed nine percent of the sugar crop, and damaged the largest mills.



In addition to the hurricanes, other factors affecting the crop include late openings and mechanical breakdowns at the mills.