PLANS are in the pipeline to engage more cane labourers and machines in the North to boost sugar production next year.
This was revealed by permanent secretary for Provincial Development Lieutenant Colonel Inia Seruiratu on a recent visit to the Labasa mill.
"We will liaise with the provincial councils here in Vanua Levu and we hope to lure more labourers to harvest cane," he said.
These farmers are expected to get mechanical assistance as well to help with labour.
"We also aim to provide machines to assist the farmers," Lt-Col Seruiratu said.
Lt-Col Seruiratu was very pleased with the mill operations this year, adding the farmers should be encouraged to plant more.
Earlier this year, Commissioner Northern Lieutenant Colonel Ilai Moceica said the Northern economy aimed to produce more than one million tonnes of sugar by 2014.
Lt-Col Moceica said they aimed to educate unemployed youths to take up cane farming.
He said they would encourage those districts outside the cane belts of Vanua Levu to engage in such farming.