Sugar Cane fields in the Western division as the crushing season approaches....Fourth cane payment issued yesterday is seen as a milestone achievement, says Sugar Cane Growers Council (Left inset Sugarcane farmer, Surya Deo (right) with wife. He had praise for Government and Fiji Sugar Corporation. and right inset Sundresh Chetty . Photos: SHEIK DEAN
By SHEIK DEAN
The fourth cane payment of $20.40 per tonne was a milestone achievement so far, stated Sugar Cane Growers Council acting chief executive officer Sundresh Chetty.
The fourth cane payment was paid out by the Fiji Sugar Corporation around the country yesterday.
“This is a huge fourth cane payment paid out to farmers compared to previous years,” Mr Chetty said.
“This will bring more confidence in farmers and hence farmers will invest back into their farms to take advantage of the quality cane payment system.
“Through the hard work from Bainimarama Government and the Fiji Sugar Corporation, we have managed to make this cane payment.”
West farmer Surya Deo, speaking to the Fiji Sun said he was very happy with the payment.
“I thank the Government, FSC and relevant stakeholders for their commitment in improving sugar price and also the Industry.
“With this payment I can now prepare well for the coming crushing season,’’ said Mr Deo.
Wash up payment
Meanwhile the total cane payment paid out so far for the 2012 season is $78.74 per tonne, which is record breaking.
“Later in October the wash up payment will take us well above $80 per tonne for the 2012 production which is due to the tremendous effort by the Government and FSC,” Mr Chetty said.
“We also acknowledge farmers for their support and timely delivery of fresh cane to mills.
“Our sugar industry has recovered well despite the natural disasters and the fluctuating world market price for sugar,’’ said Mr Chetty.
2013 season
For the 2013 season Mr Chetty believes the Industry could harvest and mill around 2 million tonnes of sugar cane.
“Although our expectations were high but due to the cyclone there has been some impact on the Industry.
“Now farmers will be embarking into the new planting season and we would like to see more un-used lands to be cultivated and used for sugar cane farming.
New Variety
“The two new varieties are not official yet and farmers who have trialed have given a positive feedback.
“Since the new cane payment system will be introduced, we would like to see farmers plant at least three varieties.
“Farmers should have the early maturing, mid maturing and late maturing variety to get a good yield so they do not miss out when the harvesting season is spread out,” he added.