Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) expects an optimistic 2021 harvesting season.

Council chief executive officer Vimal Dutt is strongly suggesting that growers harvest cane at the earliest especially after the opening of Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Lautoka Mill yesterday.

“The mills are all ready for the crush as confirmed by FSC and harvesting gang are encouraged to get into co-ordination with FSC sector and SCGC personnels.

“Most growers in Labasa especially already expecting decline in cane production due to damaged sustained by the TC Yasa and flood.”

“Decline in yield means likely shortfall in income, reciprocally we need to harvest whatever crop we have in this season.”

“The related parties are also invited to work in harmony and share the responsibilities.”

“Our team has been very considerate with growers and gang’s officials on a regular basis, in fact we were surprised to learn that a few of our growers are just in the que and do not have a valid reason for not harvesting.”

“It’s a pity that substantial amount of effort and farm inputs applied to cultivate these crops which also includes Government grants, yet some are hesitant to harvest.”

“It would be very sad to if such efforts not creating any economic activity.”

Mr Dutt said they were pleased to witness that a few gangs in Viti Levu have proactively started harvesting since Tuesday.

“To the mechanical harvester gangs, who are behind in their programme need to be mindful on the probability of adverse weather pattern in the latter part of the season affecting their performance, spilled over to growers.”

“Harvesting gangs have been advised to rely on last years approved harvesting and delivery rate to meet the delivery costs.”

“Those growers or gangs require further clarification could contact FSC offices. Growers and their families, gang officials and cutters are requested to have themselves vaccinated to protect themselves and others from COVID transmit.”

Budget
Last week Friday, June 25, growers had the opportunity to participate in a virtual budget consultation session with Minister for Economy and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Growers from north and west participated.

Mr Dutt said: “Willingly growers were able to convey their sentiments directly, thus the session was very interactive and positivity for the industry.”

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