A new portable sugarcane harvester, specifically designed for hilly terrains, is poised to revolutionize harvesting practices for farmers operating in high-elevation areas of Fiji. Imported from Japan by the Ministry of Sugar, this innovative machine aims to alleviate the challenges that farmers in difficult terrains have long faced.
The Minister of Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, recently traveled to Japan to observe the harvester’s advanced capabilities firsthand and announced its upcoming arrival in Fiji through his official Facebook page. During nationwide consultations with sugarcane growers, he emphasized the obstacles presented by steep farmlands, where a significant portion of Fiji’s sugarcane is cultivated.
Singh remarked, “A significant percentage of our sugarcane comes from high-elevation farms, where manual harvesting is a daunting task. This harvester will maximize harvesting opportunities and ease the burden on farmers.”
The consultations also revealed persistent issues such as labor shortages and transportation challenges, which have been worsened by adverse weather conditions. To counter these difficulties, the new harvester is equipped with special tracks to enhance its mobility on uneven terrain.
Tui Labasa, Ratu Jone Qomate, highlighted the critical role of mechanization in ensuring the sustainability of Fiji’s sugarcane industry. “Investing in machinery is essential to tackle the shortage of manual labor,” he stated. Ratu Jone, who is also a sugarcane farmer, shared his experiences with a sugarcane planter to help mitigate labor constraints and stressed that timely upgrades in machinery are vital for maintaining industry viability.
Echoing this sentiment, farmer Mohammed Yunus pointed out the increasing difficulties in obtaining manual labor for harvesting. The introduction of this specialized harvester is expected to facilitate more efficient and less labor-intensive harvesting processes, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable future for Fiji’s sugarcane industry.
Overall, the advent of this portable harvester represents a significant step forward for local farmers, promising to enhance productivity and lessen labor challenges, ultimately contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the sugarcane sector in Fiji.
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