Sugarcane farmers of the North. Dennis Prasad (left), Bimal Prasad (middle) and Parmesh Pillay (right) at Wailevu sugarcane harvesting farm yesterday. Photo:LOSIRENE CHAND
By LOSIRENE CHAND
Farmers in the North are hoping for the best this crushing season as the Fiji Sugar Corporation Labasa Mill opens today.
Parmesh Pillay of Wailevu said they had started harvesting the sugarcanes from Tuesday and began loading yesterday.
“We are facing a shortage of labourers as many have opted for other job opportunities.”
“Last year we started harvesting cane earlier then the mill had opened but this year we began late, we just hope the weather will be on our side.”
Lorry drivers were also spotted parked at the Labasa mill from yesterday.
Meanwhile the new Tui Macuata Ratu Wiliame Katonivere is expected to officially tip the first batch of cane today.
Official tipping
Ratu Wiliame who is also the new board member will be accompanied by government stakeholders, the Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman Abdul Khan and Labasa Mill manager Karia Christopher.
As the cane harvesting began earlier this week for most cane farmers, the Labasa Mill began its first test run yesterday afternoon while its first tipping is expected at 10am today.
Mr Khan speaking to Fiji Sun earlier said plans were being put into place for the mill to basically ensure that the mill is ready for the cane crushing season.
He said last year’s technical problems or the stoppage last year had been nothing out of the ordinary.