Japanese-imported Machinery to Ease Labour Shortages and Boost Harvest Efficiency
The consultations also shed light on labour shortages and transportation challenges exacerbated by unfavourable weather conditions.
Sunday 15 December 2024 | 11:22
Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh, with the hilly terrain sugarcane harvester in Japan, which will be transported to Fiji soon.
As man, portable sugarcane harvester designed for hilly terrains is set to transform harvesting for farmers with high-elevation cane farms.
The machine, imported from Japan by the Ministry of Sugar, is expected to address the challenges faced by farmers in these difficult areas.
Line Minister Charan Jeath Singh recently visited Japan to witness the harvester's capabilities firsthand.
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Sharing images of the innovative machine on his official Facebook page, Mr Singh confirmed its impending arrival in Fiji.
During nationwide consultations with growers, Mr Singh highlighted the difficulties in harvesting sugarcane from steep farms.
"A significant percentage of our sugarcane comes from high-elevation farms, where manual harvesting is a daunting task," he said.
"This harvester will maximise harvesting opportunities and ease the burden on farmers."
The consultations also shed light on labour shortages and transportation challenges exacerbated by unfavourable weather conditions.
The new harvester, equipped with special tracks for enhanced mobility on uneven terrain, aims to tackle these issues effectively.
Tui Labasa, Ratu Jone Qomate, emphasised the importance of mechanisation for the sustainability of Fiji's sugarcane industry.
"We must invest in machinery to address the shortage of manual labour," he said.
"Without machines, the strain on labour will burn you out. Farm mechanisation is critical to meet the industry's demands."
Ratu Jone, a sugarcane farmer himself, shared his experience using a sugarcane planter to mitigate labour shortages.
"This industry is labour-intensive and requires timely upgrades in machinery to remain viable," he added.
Similarly, farmer Mohammed Yunus echoed these sentiments, noting the increasing difficulty in sourcing manual labour for harvesting.
With the introduction of this specialised harvester, farmers in Fiji's challenging terrains can look forward to more efficient and less labour-intensive harvesting, paving the way for a more sustainable sugarcane industry.
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