Cane gang leaders Ravindra Singh and Pardeep Chand are optimistic about the opening of the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) Rarawai Mill in Ba for crushing on July 16.

Mr Chand is the gang leader for Yaladro Sector Waterfall L/T in Tavua.

Mr Singh is the gang leader for Veisaru Central Cane Farmer Co-operative.

Mr Chand said he was looking forward to Rarawai commencing operations as it would mean easier and timelier delivery of harvest to the mill.

“Currently, we are harvesting and delivering our cane to the Lautoka mill,” he said.

“That means our lorry drivers make one trip to the mill each day.

“However, with Rarawai mill opening soon, we can delivery our cane there which is closer.”

He said deliveries to the mill could be doubled when Rarawai opens.

“Our harvesting is completely mechanical so harvesting is efficient,” Mr Singh said.

“Rarawai mill’s opening would enable effective delivery and also double trips.”

He said poor road conditions towards Lautoka mill had created difficulties in hiring lorry drivers as the lorries needed mechanical maintenance often.

Farmers should continue harvesting
Mr Singh said the sugar industry was integral in his life.

“I have been a farmer since I was 13-years-old,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to harvest as the weather is favourable right now.

“In the next few months, we can expect wet weather which would make harvesting difficult,” he said.

Mr Chand added even though the average forecast price was not what was expected, farmers should continue harvesting to get some revenue.

“What will we get by not harvesting our cane?

“If our cane is burnt, then the quality and the price given will decrease, so it is better to harvest now and give quality supply,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive officer Vimal Dutt has encouraged farmers to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the good weather.

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