TAKE advantage of the rain and plant cane. This was the message from Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) CEO Sundresh Chetty to farmers across the Western Division.
“The rain we are getting is good enough to enable growers to plant cane, the planting window is open from October to end of November and we urge farmers to begin planting now,” he said.
Mr Chetty added that while the planting window closed at the end of November, it was common practice for the SCGC to write to the Sugar Industry Tribunal to seek an extension.
“Those who have cleared land under Government’s $15.4 million planting grant should go ahead and plant. “Those who need seed cane should consult Fiji Sugar Corporation field staff, SCGC or Sugar Research Institute of Fiji if they need assistance.”
Mr Chetty said intermittent rainfall across most parts of the West over the past few days had brought relief, however, there were concerns that harvesting could be impeded.
“If rain continues it could result in lorries getting bogged in the field and harvesting machines not getting into the field as well.”
