A Rakiraki sugarcane farmer says growers in Gallau would rather harvest their cane than go on strike because they would ultimately be the ones to suffer the losses.
Speaking on farmers' demand for an increase in the guaranteed cane price from $85 to $110 per tonne, former Advisory Councillor and Rakiraki sugarcane farmer Shri Karishna says the increase would be helpful.
However, he says farmers have no choice but to harvest their cane, otherwise it could go to waste or be damaged during the rainy season.
He says, in the end, harvesting is the only practical option.
Karishna says sugarcane farmers in Gallau, Rakiraki began harvesting as soon as the mills opened to ensure no cane is left unharvested.
He says farmers continue to face a number of challenges, including financial difficulties, a shortage of labour and the rising cost of fertiliser.
Karishna has thanks the Government for providing inmates to assist farmers with harvesting.
Insert: Karishna on assistance 22nd Hindi July
He says he does not rely solely on sugarcane farming for his livelihood, as he also grows rice, cassava, sweet potatoe, coriander and other vegetables adding he also makes sasa brooms and homemade ghee to supplement his income.
