The Bangladeshi workers contributing to Fiji’s sugarcane sector have been commended by the Permanent Secretary for Sugar, Vinesh Kumar, for their effective cane-cutting techniques. Kumar made this observation during a recent visit to Rakiraki, where he interacted with a group of Bangladeshi foreign workers who balance their time between construction jobs and harvesting sugarcane on weekends.
Notably, these workers were engaged in harvesting the sugarcane of former minister George Shiu Raj when Kumar took notice of their distinct methods. They shared that in Bangladesh, they utilize a stockpiling method that effectively reduces damage to the cane and simplifies the loading process, something Kumar found refreshing and innovative compared to traditional Fijian practices.
Kumar highlighted the contrast between the Bangladeshi technique of forming small, spaced mounds of cane and the local method of laying cane across rows for easier truck access. He emphasized the importance of these foreign laborers not only for their practical contributions but also for fostering cross-cultural exchanges that enrich Fiji’s agricultural practices.
This acknowledgement is timely given Fiji’s ongoing efforts to bolster its sugarcane industry amid notable labor shortages, as seen in previous discussions on the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers to address this issue. The arrival of foreign workers is proving vital for maintaining farm operations during the busy harvest season, and their innovative practices may lead to enhanced productivity over time.
In a larger context, this situation signifies a positive evolution within Fiji’s sugar industry, reflecting its capacity to adapt and incorporate diverse methodologies. As Kumar noted, the integration of foreign labor and new techniques exemplifies how Fiji can evolve through collaboration and shared knowledge, creating a promising future for its agricultural sector.
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