FSC look at new machines for hilly farms

Fiji Sugar Corporation chief executive officer Graham Clark, has confirmed that FSC was looking on harvesting hilly areas. He made these comments during the National Sugar Industry Policy consultation at Vunimoli, Labasa.

He was informed by cane farmer Pradeep Kumar that there were many farmers whose farm are on hilly areas and needed assistance.

He suggested if all farmers could be treated equally..

“If you can assist farmers with mechanical harvesters on flat land then you must consider farmers whose farms are on hilly areas.

“At least in this way everyone’s field is harvested at the same time and there is no delay of closure of mill and everyone gets paid well. “We don’t mind if you get machines from overseas or locally.

“If you have to do testing do it now and not during the harvesting season because we need to be prepared and informed.”

Another farmer Mohammed Sharif, who has his own harvester said he has found those assisted by the Government and FSC are not helping other farmers in need and misusing the machine.

“When we asked them they say I will have to harvest my own field and those in the cooperative and no one else and then lock the machine in the garage,” Mr Sharif said.

“If farmers can have a different mindset, then things will be easy for everyone.”

Mr Clark responded they already have plans and looking into bringing machines to overcome such challenges.

“Last year we assisted in many ways by bringing mechanical harvesters and tractors as there was labour shortage problem,” Mr Clark said.

“Two years ago we had five to six mechanical harvesters and now we have 60 in the country.

“Gradually, farmers in hilly areas are coming forward for machinery assistance and we are looking into it.

“You must understand this will take time but I assure you that we are looking into it

“We have found such machine and will soon run a trial to see if it can be manageable.”

Last year we assisted in many ways by bringing mechanical harvesters and tractors as there was labour shortage problem Graham Clark Chief Executive Offcier, Fiji Sugar Corporation