SITERI TALEITAKI
LABASA
Cane farmers take a break at their Vunivau sugarcane fields. Photo: Siteri Taleitaki
Thirty-year old Atish Chand of Vunivau said all sugarcane farmers are looking forward to harvest their produce.
Before harvesting season we maintain the fields by cutting out the weeds and keeping the crops tidy and ready for manual cane cutting Mr Chand said.
“Tractors are used for land cultivation,” Mr Chand said.
“We are planting Nadiri breed because it is the best breed for sugarcane, which gives the sweetest sugar out of all.”
He added farmers will be paid on cane quality and it is one of the aspects of cane quality that the industry is looking at to improve sugar production.
“Planting and harvesting sugarcane is the only source of income for our families.
“The only problem we faced is the weather, at times when there is heavy downpour harvesting and planting is delayed.
“Now we are glad that the weather is on our side, we hoped that it will remain for the rest of the month.”
It is highly important for farmers to work hand in hand for the best of their industry to produce the best sustainable product, to have land and industry that can last many Fijian generations.
Sugar industry is the biggest income earner for the North.
The processed sugar coming from Vanua Levu is exported entirely to United Kingdom.
Feedback: siteri.taleitaki@fijisun.com.fj