Cane farmers plea in the North has been heard as the cane processing at the Labasa Mill will now be terminated on Tuesday October 27.
Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive Sundresh Chetty confirmed this after his meeting with the Labasa mill management and Acting Permanent Secretary for Sugar Viliame Gucake yesterday.
“There are 21,000 tonnes of standing cane in the field that is harvestable,” Mr Chetty said.
He advised farmers to make the best use of the remaining days.
“If there is continuous supply of cane to the mill after Tuesday, and should the need arise for more extension, then the management will carry out a review and decide when to close the mill,” he said.
“There are some cane field that are likely to have stand over cane but we are urging farmers to engage labourers who are available to harvest the cane and supply before Tuesday.
“Farmers have invested so much in the farm so they should make an effort to maximise their profit.”
Mr Gucake said since Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Voreqe Bainimarama made an announcement yesterday to let mills be open, Labasa mill is no exception.
“I think farmers were afraid after the Sugar Industry Tribunal made an announcement that the mill would close tomorrow,” Mr Gucake said.
“FSC understands their responsibility and they will not shut gates while there are rows of lorries lined up in front of the mill.
“Farmers must make an effort to supply their cane as soon as possible.
“All mills do extension but that does not mean farmers should relax and end up with loads on cane on the last date.”

Best performer
Mr Chetty confirmed that as of 7am yesterday 636,000 tonnes of cane was processed by the Labasa FSC mill.
This he said was the greatest achievement by the mill.
“Out of four mills in Fiji, Labasa FSC mill sugar production is the highest,” Mr Chetty said.
“We expect 655,000 to 660,000 tonnes of cane to be crushed before the cane processing season ends.”

Update on other mills
Mr Chetty confirmed that Penang Mill in Rakiraki terminated its processing season on October 19.
The mill did extend its operation for two days.
However, there will be no more extension.
Rarawai Mill in Ba is expected to close soon. Lautoka will be the last mill to close.