The Ministry of Sugar is still at the exploration stage on the bringing in of foreigners to be cutters in our cane fields.
Permanent Secretary for Sugar Yogesh Karan says they are exploring this opportunity because of the shortage of labour being experienced by farmers.
He says he has already received requests from farmers to have foreign cane cutters work in their farms.
Karan stresses they are exploring this idea in consultation with the Growers, Fiji Sugar Corporation and other stakeholders.
They are exploring models that were used by countries like Mauritius.
Another area the government is already investing in to help deal with the shortage of cane cutters is the use of mechanical harvesters.
The cost of using a mechanical harvester is $17 per tonne at the moment.
Opposition MP Mikaele Leawere has raised his concerns about the idea saying it is still unclear whether these workers will come to work as seasonal labourers or opt to make Fiji their new home given the opportunities Fiji may provide to them.
He says they do not want to see Fiji becoming a dumping ground for cheap labour.
In response, Karan says the foreign cane cutters will be seasonal labourers and before anyone makes comments on this issue they should first understand Fiji’s immigration laws.
Fiji Sugarcane Growers Council CEO Sundresh Chetty says they support the bringing in of foreign cane cutters.
Chetty says a cane cutter is paid $20 per tonne and a cutter is expected to cut 150 to 200 tonnes in a season.
