Shortage of labourers for this year’s cane harvest season may not be an issue in the north.

This after northern farmers have received a lot of interest.

Before the issue of shortage of labourers was a concern for many famers, some have had to source labourers from Viti Levu.

In light of the pandemic, this was a thing of the past for many farmers.

Mohammed Iqbal, a cane farmer for more than 16 years, said he received numerous phone calls from people wanting to harvest cane.

Mr Iqbal has a 70 acre cane farm in Solove Labasa.

“We’re living in challenging times and people would do anything to earn a decent income,”Mr Iqbal said.

“People have lost their jobs during this pandemic and students have also asked to cut cane.

“It is better to come and cut cane and earn some income for the family rather than sitting at home doing nothing and waiting for donations.

“I am not limiting any numbers, those that are interested can contact me, as long as you live in the area.”

Mr Iqbal said his labourers were usually sourced from Viti Levu.

But due to the travel restrictions he would employ those interested individuals living in the area and use the harvesting machine.

Other farmers in the North have reacted in a similar manner as interest from people to lean towards cane harvesting increases.

Sunil Sharma, a former Water Authority of Fiji employee, said the cane season was eagerly awaited as many like him are looking for employment.

“Everyone has been looking forward to this harvesting season because many have been laid off from work,” Mr Sharma said.

“These are desperate times and people are not being choosy about work now.”

The crushing at the Labasa Sugar Mill started on Wednesday.

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