The Chairman of the Macuata Provincial Council is urging sugarcane farmers not to delay this year's harvest, saying harvesting on time is in the best interests of growers and the sugar industry.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Ratu Jone Qomate says farmers have only a limited time to harvest their cane before the wet season begins, as heavy rain can make it difficult to transport cane to the mills.
He says harvesting on time is also important because the sugar content in the cane declines later in the season, which can affect returns for farmers.
Insert:Qomate on harvest
Ratu Jone says while farmers may have concerns, they should continue harvesting and raise any issues with the Government instead of delaying the season.
He also questioned calls by some politicians for farmers to boycott the harvest, saying they should instead encourage growers to begin harvesting as it is in the farmers' best interests.
Ratu Jone says his family has been involved in the sugar industry for four generations and harvested about 3,000 tonnes of cane last year.
He says sugarcane farming has supported his family for generations and remains an important source of income for many families in Labasa, the Western Division and across Fiji.
