First Tipping of cane was done at the Labasa mill yesterday. Photo: SERUWAIA WAQASAQA
Labasa
Businessman Charan Jeath Singh started the 2014 cane processing season in Labasa by tipping the first rail truck loaded with cane onto the conveyor system at the Labasa Mill yesterday.
Mr Singh, who owns a number of cane farms in Labasa himself, stressed the importance of the sugar industry and co-operation.
“It should be of paramount importance that all stakeholders should work together and move the industry to greater heights,” he said.
Mr Singh said the Labasa Mill and its industry partners should not take things lightly rather make it a business that everyone is involved in and take the maximum returns for their hard work.
He said this was whether they be farmers, millers, cane cutters or lorry drivers.
“We have seen the hardships of farmers and now with the reforms that has taken place in the recent years under the leadership of our current government, we can see the fruits on the horizons,” he said.
“I commend the Bainimarama Government.
“I also congratulate the executive chairman, Abdul Khan with his management team for taking this industry in the right direction and with the right strategy to bring back the glories of Fiji Sugar Corporation.
“The FSC is now showing profits and farmers are getting a record high price for their cane in the recent years.”
Own farm
Government’s policies and incentives have Mr Singh also involved in the sugar industry whereby he now owns three cane farms.
“I own two farms in Waiqele sector and one in Batinikama sector on over 50 acres of land. I would be harvesting around 1250 tonnes of cane in 2014 season,” he said.
“Sugar industry is here to stay so we need to constantly strive to improve on the methods of cultivation and harvesting so that farming becomes enjoyable.
“If you do anything which is not enjoyable you would lose interest and I am afraid we need to make sugar industry enjoyable and a profitable business.”
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