THE Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) believes the introduction of the latest technologies in the sugar industry will improve cane supply and overall production of sugar.
SCGC chief executive officer Sundresh Chetty said he had noted the concerns of Sugar permanent secretary Lieutenant Colonel Manasa Vaniqi last week.
Lt-Col Vaniqi said despite the milestone achievements by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) in producing 100,000 tonnes of sugar so far, there was a concern about poor cane supply from farmers.
"All the four sugar mills are performing well, much better this year and the only major concern at this stage is poor cane supply, particularly during weekends," said Lt-Col Vaniqi.
Mr Chetty admitted that poor cane supply was an issue that needed to be addressed.
"I believe the introduction of mechanical harvester to cane farms will in a way solve the issue," he said.
"Also it is high time to consider the idea of introducing the latest technological systems in land preparation and other cane and sugar related works.
"The sugar industry has played a major role in the development of the nation and it is important to look at new ways of having technologies to lift the standard of the industry to another level.
"Most sugar producing countries are benefitting from the latest technological systems in various sectors of the sugar industry and I believe we should introduce more technologies to improve production."