Unemployed workers from the tourism industry and those who have lost their jobs and are looking for work have been urged to join the sugar industry as cane cutters.

Sugar Cane Growers Council acting chief executive officer Sunil Chaudhary said a number of growers were looking for those who want to carry out cane harvesting.

“There is a lot of work in the cane cutting area and we are asking those who do not have work to come and work in the cane fields,” she said.

“It seems that growers in the western division are finding it difficult sourcing cane cutters from within the division,” he said

Cane cutters

The farms the Fiji Sun had visited so far found cane cutters from Namosi, Tailevu, Nausori and Tacirua in Tamavua.

Mr Chaudhary said he could not understand why this was the case.

“I saw a news item of people having no money to buy food.

“Well employment is right here in the cane fields – hard work but at least you earn money.”

Mr Chaudhary said all those interested in joining the cane cutting gangs need to register their interest with any of the Council’s district offices or the head office at Drasa Avenue in Lautoka.

“The growers are all ready to harvest, especially those that have hired cutters and those who have engaged mechanical harvesters.

“They are just waiting for the mill to roll.”

Meanwhile the Lautoka sugar mill began its 2020 crushing season yesterday on a low keynote.

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