Ageing population concern raised

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Waisea Lovolovo speaking at a consultation on the National Sugar Industry policy in Tavua. Picture: BALJEET SINGH

MANY sugarcane growers are the last of their families in the trade.

This was one of the concerns raised during the National Sugar Industry Policy consultation in Tagitagi, Tavua yesterday.

Canefarmer Waisea Lovolovo said an aged population was a reality for the industry.

“What has been done at the Penang Mill will be done at the Rarawai Mill, we might have to close Rarawai Mill in about 15 years,” he said.

Mr Lovolovo said many sons of farmers had migrated overseas.

“Is this something you have in mind? This is a wake-up call.”

Fiji Sugar Corporation CEO Graham Clark said this was something they agreed on.

“Government recognised this a couple of years back and this year, we have a new farmer grant scheme assistance programs,” he said.

Mr Clark said there were young farmers who were interested in sugarcane farming and excited about the prospect of using technology to improve farming methods.

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