Sugarcane farmers in the Western Division are in a race against time, facing the challenge of harvesting over 85,000 tonnes of cane before a deadline set for next Monday. The tight timeline has been deemed “too rigid” by many farmers, who are grappling with adverse weather conditions and a shortage of laborers, particularly with many still absent due to festive season celebrations.
Atish Kumar, a farmer in the Rarawai sector and president of the Fiji Cane Lorries Association, expressed the urgent need for an extension to the harvesting period. He highlighted how the weather has significantly impacted their ability to cut and deliver the cane on time, further complicated by a lack of available cane cutters.
Arvind Singh, a former member of the Fiji Sugar Corporation board, pointed out that extending the deadline might not solve the underlying issues. He emphasized that farmers are powerless against unpredictable weather and the inability to compel laborers to return to their work in the fields.
Given the current circumstances, farmers must come together to find solutions, drawing on community support and innovative strategies to maximize their harvest. The resilient spirit of the farmers is crucial as they navigate these challenging times, showing hope for the future despite the obstacles they face.
Leave a comment