Sugarcane farmers in the Western Division are facing an urgent race against time as they work to harvest over 85,000 tonnes of cane still standing in their fields. With a deadline set for next Monday to cut, load, and deliver this cane to the Rarawai mill in Ba, many farmers are expressing concerns that the timeline is “too rigid,” considering the difficulties posed by inclement weather and a shortage of laborers.
Atish Kumar, president of the Fiji Cane Lorries Association and a farmer in the Rarawai sector, highlighted the pressing challenges that have emerged from recent heavy rainfall and the absence of cane cutters who are yet to return from festive celebrations. The combination of these factors has made it increasingly difficult for farmers to meet the current deadline.
Arvind Singh, a former board member of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), echoed these sentiments, stating that extending the closing date would not provide a viable solution. He mentioned, “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 plight of these farmers reflects broader challenges within the agricultural sector, particularly in light of weather-dependent activities and labor market fluctuations. It underscores the need for more flexible solutions that can adapt to unforeseen circumstances, ensuring that the industry’s backbone—sugarcane production—can continue to thrive.
As the farmers press on with their efforts, there remains a hopeful outlook that with community support and possible policy adjustments, they may be able to navigate these trying circumstances effectively.