A new mechanical sugar harvester designed for hilly terrain is set to be tested in Fiji during the 2025 harvesting season, as announced by Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar Industry. The machine has been sourced from Kumiki Company Ltd, based on Okinawa Island in Japan.
Minister Singh emphasized that this small-sized harvester is equipped with rubber tracks, making it well-suited for Fiji’s challenging landscape. He noted that it has already been trialed successfully in Japan, indicating its potential effectiveness in improving sugar harvesting in Fiji’s more difficult regions. The introduction of this technology aims to alleviate labor challenges faced by farmers operating in hilly areas since most current harvesters in Fiji are designed exclusively for flat land.
The harvester features a 1-tonne capacity bin that allows for efficient collection of billet cane, which can be replaced with nuevo bins when full. Once the harvest is collected, cranes will off-load the cane onto trucks for transport. The machine boasts a harvesting rate of approximately 7 tons per hour, offering a significant boost in productivity.
This innovative development could demonstrate a progressive step toward enhancing agricultural efficiency in Fiji, ultimately leading to improved productivity and potential economic benefits for local farmers. By embracing advanced machinery, Fiji’s sugar industry may not only address labor shortages but also ensure a more sustainable agricultural future.
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