Sugar cane farmers in the North have 11 days to deliver their cane to the Labasa Mill.

Sugar Corporation chief executive officer, Bhan Pratap Singh said the statement from last month had been re-evaluated and as per the updated information, the final decision regarding the Labasa Mill’s crushing season has been made.

“The last day for Labasa harvesting is confirmed as November 11, and the mill’s closing date, which has been communicated to the Sugar Industry Tribunal (SIT),” Mr Singh said.

He said he was aware about the availability of labour for harvesting was a crucial factor.

When asked about how many tonnes of cane was supplied to produce sugar till yesterday, he said the official data would be available after all three mills completed crushing operations.

Rarawai and Lautoka mills are scheduled to cease crushing on November 19.

Depends on weather

Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive officer Vimal Dutt said the farmers were aware about the crushing season termination date.

However, he said if good weather continued, farmers would be able to complete their delivery.

“During dry weather farmers are able to harvest cane faster, load in their respective arranged transport, be it lorry or tractor and deliver it to the mill,” he said.

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