Cane Producers Association distributes Weedicide soon to control the spread
A cane farmer of Wailevu with the itch grass at the cane belt area.
LABASA
An invasive weed plant that has spread to most of the cane belts in Vanua Levu has raised concerns.
Itch grass is an invasive plant that has similar features as of a sugarcane plant that can be mistakenly identified as a cane plant.
It has been found particularly in the Wailevu cane belt area.
Labasa Cane Producers Association Executive manager Abhinesh Chand has announced that the spread of the invasive plant is alarming as it has been widespread over the cane fields.
Mr Chand said theassociation will soon distribute weedicide, to control the invasive plant that has invaded most cane farms in Labasa.
“Complaints have been made to our office and we have looked into the matter,” he said.
“We have obtained Velaphar King weedicide to contain the spread of the weed that has invaded most of the cane farms in Labasa.
“The weedicide has been included in this year’s weedicide subsidy and it will be given to farmers.”
Mr Chand said with the improved management, crop husbandry, timely weed control and correct fertiliser application, the yield estimates are looking favorable.
The Labasa Mill manager Karia Christopher, who was also concerned, said all relevant stakeholders should work together with the cane farmers to control the problem.
“We should do it fast. The cane quality could be affected and this is a threat as the cane production could be also affected,” he said.
Mr Christopher said labour cost will be involved and costly to remove the weeds manually to some cane farmers.
He also predicted that about 600,000 tonnes of cane is expected from 12867.7 hectares which includes the 715 hectares planted from the LCPA premium funds.
Fairtrade
Meanwhile, Mr Chand confirmed the association has received $13.7 million from the $22 million allocated for the sugar industry in Fiji by Fairtrade.
“Cane farmers should expect more to come,” he said.
Fairtrade Premium is paid to Fairtrade certified producer organisations to improve their economic, social and environment conditions of the membership, their families and communities.
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