THE Sugar Cane Growers Council and Fiji Sugar Corporation have agreed to extend crushing at the Lautoka and Rarawai sugar mills.
SCGC chief executive officer Sundresh Chetty said he was grateful to the FSC for agreeing to push the termination of crush dates back.
The Sugar Industry Tribunal had earlier ordered that crushing at Lautoka be terminated on Wednesday December 12 and Rarawai on Sunday December 16.
“Lautoka will now cease crushing for the 2018 season on Saturday December 15 and Rarawai will terminate on Thursday December 20,” Mr Chetty said.
“We made the request after looking at the situation in the fields and the amount of cane remaining.
“We urge growers to make every effort to cut and deliver their cane by the dates provided.”
He added that gangs and mechanical harvesters who had completed harvesting obligations were ready to assist farmers facing difficulty in cutting their cane.
“Growers who are facing problems should contact their respected field office and request assistance.”
The FSC has forecast a total harvest of about 1.7 million tonnes of cane for the 2018 season.
