SUGAR cane farmers attending an industry consultation expressed disappointment at the rising fertiliser costs and lack of farming equipment during their meeting with sugar stakeholders at Sabeto yesterday.
Sugar Cane Growers Council acting chief executive officer Sundresh Chetty said the response from farmers was positive.
He said farmers raised several issues that had been affecting cane production for the sugar stakeholders to consider.
"One of the issues raised by the growers is the increase of fertiliser costs which has been noted by the industry," said Mr Chetty.
"Also farmers want to have machines for cane planting and harvesting which would also solve the problem of labourer shortage.
"Other issues raised include the type of farming needed to best suit different varieties of cane and land types.
"Farmers were also educated on the new farming method and what is best needed to improve their cane productivity."
Mr Chetty said most farmers had supported the quality cane payment compared to the quantity cane payment.
"Currently, farmers are paid according to the cane tonnage but we are looking at the new payment mode, which is through the quality of the cane," he said.
"Growers will first be educated on the new payment system before the implementation and this was well received by farmers."
He said more than 10,000 cane growers were expected to be part of a series of meetings that began in Sigatoka last week.
The meeting continues in Drasa Sector, Lautoka today and will then move to Ba tomorrow.