Labasa cane crushing season
Dewan Chand, Suva
The sugar cane industry has been the backbone of the Labasa economy for a very long time. The announcement that the 2022 harvesting season will commence shortly has sent a euphoria through Labasa.
The soul of Labasa has stirred and a hive of activities has sprung into action at different; levels of the Labasa community.
The sugar mill on the banks of Qava River has been repaired/renovated to ensure a flawless and productive crushing season.
Everyone in Labasa is expecting to see smoke belching out of the sugar mill chimney. Also, to hear the regular hooting of the factory horns signalling the change of the hour and the working shift.
The trains pulling the empty cane carts create yet another form of musical welcome. Dozens of cane-laden trucks heading toward the sugar mill are a sight to watch. Thousands of workers heading to the mill or away from the mill towards their homes is yet another exciting spectacle.
Thousands of sugarcane farmers and cane cutters/harvesters will also spring into action. Cutting gangs ensure that new knives are bought along with new files, billy cans, clothes, hats and shoes etc.
Staying arrangements for the cutters are also made by the farmers. Everyone ensures that these seasonal cane cutters are treated well to ensure that there is no shortage of labour. Housewives ensure that there is ample food supply for the entire season.
The market vendors, vegetable farmers and shopkeepers are also very happy as business picks up despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taxi and bus drivers are cheerful as the extra business is now available.
As sugar production starts for the local market and for the export market, there will be more money in the system... the banks too will be very happy. We simply cannot underestimate the multiplier effect of the sugarcane crushing season.
If the weather holds and other factors remain constant, we can expect a bumper crop and huge sugar production to support the economy of our country.
The Three Sisters Mountain peaks seem to smile as the mighty rivers; Qava and Wailevu, continue to provide the vital water supply to the flood plains below and the sugar mill itself.
May this crushing season be a huge success for all the parties involved.