Sugarcane farmers in Fiji’s Western Division are facing a daunting challenge as they scramble to harvest over 85,000 tonnes of cane still standing in their fields. With a pressing deadline looming next Monday for cutting, loading, and delivering this cane to the Rarawai mill in Ba, many farmers are voicing concerns that the timeline is “too rigid.” The situation is exacerbated by inclement weather and a shortage of laborers returning from recent festive celebrations.
Atish Kumar, president of the Fiji Cane Lorries Association and a farmer in the Rarawai sector, has underscored the significant hurdles presented by recent heavy rainfall and the absence of cane cutters. As Kumar pointed out, these unforeseen circumstances have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to meet the tight deadline.
Arvind Singh, a former board member of the Fiji Sugar Corporation, has also weighed in, asserting that extending the deadline alone will not resolve the issues at hand. He remarked, “We are fighting against the weather which is out of our control, and we have laborers who we can’t force to come back to the farms. And we are expected to harvest all of this cane in less than seven days. How are we going to do that?”
The struggles faced by these farmers highlight broader challenges within the agricultural sector, particularly regarding weather-dependent activities and fluctuations in the labor market. This situation emphasizes the need for adaptable solutions that can respond better to unforeseen challenges, ensuring the sustainability of sugarcane production, which is vital to the local economy.
As these farmers push through their current difficulties, there remains a sense of optimism that community support and potential policy adjustments can help them navigate these trying times successfully. With a collective effort, there’s hope that they will overcome these obstacles and continue to contribute to the region’s agricultural strength.