By SHEIK DEAN
The Lautoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) have applauded the move from the Bainimarama Government and Fiji Sugar Corporation in reviving the industry.
Chamber administrator Mohammed Salim said the added man power of corrections inmates during the 2013 harvesting season will definitely give the sugar industry and farmers a fruitful outcome.
“There has been shortage of cane cutters previously and this initiative is a positive move,” Mr Salim said.
Mr Salim says farmers need to reap the benefits of their hard work and for that matured sugar canes need to be harvested and delivered to mills on time.
“The Western Division plays a major role in the development of Fiji with our sugar industry benefiting every Fijian.
“Sugar industry employs a tremendous workforce directly and indirectly from such as cane growers, cane cutters, lorry drivers and mill workers.
“The current Government is not only reviving our sugar industry but the whole Agriculture Industry,’’ he said.
Shortage an issue
Meanwhile, an earlier statement by Sugar Cane Growers Council acting chief executive Sundresh Chetty said shortage of cane cutters was a major issue.
“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,’’ Mr Chetty said.
Fiji Corrections Service has boosted the harvesting efforts with their assistance for the sugar industry with inmates seen harvesting in the Western Division as well as Labasa.
Lautoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomes sugar revival plans. Photo: RAMA