Labasa farmers prepare for crush
By LOSIRENE CHAND
Cane farmers in Labasa began harvesting sugarcane yesterday as the crushing begins today.
A joint initiative by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), Sugarcane Growers Council, Commissioner Northerns Office and the farmers at the Wailevu Sector showed how much they were willing to give back to the economy at the first cane harvest launching.
Field service manager for FSC Labasa, Amrika Prasad, said farmers had already started harvesting their cane two days ago.
“Maintenance work has been done in the mill and it should be better and we are urging the farmers to be patient and make use of this good weather.”
Mr Prasad said yesterday a mill life trial test was conducted and farmers have already lined up with their lorries outside the mill.
“The total gang in Labasa is around 586 and we are estimating around 546,000 tonnes of cane with 47,000 tonnes of sugar this year,” he said.
Mr Prasad said farmers should also take advantage of the good weather.
“We are also encouraging farmers to harvest through base cutting because the sweetness of the cane is at the base.” Mr Prasad added.
Railway Gang and Convention Sardar (head,) Kapoor Naidu, thanked FSC and Commissioner Northern’s officials for the harvesting launch and for the new price of sugar cane.
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