By SHEIK DEAN
The 2013 crushing season is looking optimistic to reach the expected 2 million tonnes of sugar cane harvested.
Sugar Cane Growers Council acting chief executive Sundresh Chetty made these comments yesterday.
“Although our expectations were high but due to the cyclone there has been some impact on the Industry,” Mr Chetty said.
“We are facing a major issue which is the shortage of cane cutters. The Council is trying to arrange more cane cutters.
“The Council wishes to see harvested sugar cane delivered to the mills on time. We do not want to see sugar cane still left at the fields which is matured for harvesting.”
The need to reap benefits of farmers’ hard work is high due to the prevailing good weather he said.
Mr Chetty stressed the need to harvest sugar cane on time and delivered to mills will result in a good 2013 harvesting season.
“The content of juice will be lower in dried sugar cane hence we need to harvest on time.”
Fiji Corrections Service has boosted the harvesting efforts with their assistance to the industry.
A total of 50 inmates from the Natabua Corrections Center in Lautoka are helping farmers outside Lautoka.
“The council has also managed to arrange for cane cutters from outer islands which have been an ongoing issue for quite some time,” he said.
“As for the transportation lorry operators are also doing their very best to maintain a constant supply of fresh canes to the mills.
Government efforts
“Our sugar industry has recovered well due to the tremendous effort by the Bainimarama Government and Fiji Sugar Corporation.”
Mr Chetty also says despite the natural disasters and the fluctuating world market price for sugar, our industry is picking up the momentum.
Two million tonnes of sugar cane expected for this crushing season. Photo: SHEIK DEAN