Fiji’s sugar industry has reached a significant landmark with the introduction of its first mechanical sugarcane harvester designed for hilly terrains, supplied by Kumiki Co., Ltd. from Japan. This advanced piece of machinery, known as the Matsumoto model harvester, is currently undergoing trial operations in Tavua. Japanese experts are on hand to train local operators and mechanics in the effective use, servicing, and maintenance of the harvester, ensuring that farmers can fully leverage its capabilities. This development is part of the Fijian government’s strategic plan to mechanize sugar cane cultivation and harvesting, aiming to enhance productivity and alleviate labor shortages, especially in challenging terrains.
Minister for Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, emphasized that the initiative stems from coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Sugar, the Fiji Sugar Corporation, and the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji. Each agency has contributed to the project’s funding, logistics, and operations. The fundamental goal is to ease the burdens faced by farmers working on difficult hilly landscapes, where traditional manual methods pose significant challenges.
This trial project, set to continue until the end of the crushing season, will assess the harvester’s performance, providing recommendations for future developments. The introduction of this specialized harvester is not only a positive stride toward more efficient sugarcane harvesting in Fiji but also strengthens Fiji’s ties with Okinawa, Japan, reflecting a bilateral commitment to technological and agricultural innovation.
The harvester’s successful integration into local agriculture could lead to an increase in productivity by allowing operations even in steep and rugged terrains. Additionally, it promises to address the ongoing labor shortages faced by the sugar sector, reducing dependency on manual labor. This mechanization is seen as a pivotal move towards a sustainable future for Fiji’s sugarcane industry, as it promises to enhance efficiency and long-term viability.
This advancement represents a hopeful turning point for local farmers, offering a blend of modern technology and traditional agricultural practices to create a more sustainable and economically stable sugar industry in Fiji.
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