First cane delivery arrives as Labasa Mill begins 2026 crushing season

The 2026 sugar crushing season is now underway in Labasa, Fiji, with the first delivery of sugarcane arriving at the Fiji Sugar Corporation's (FSC) mill this afternoon. The initial consignment was transported by locomotive, marking the official commencement of operations.

Satish Chand, an operator from the Waiqele sector and one of the first to deliver cane, noted that current dry weather conditions are ideal for harvesting. He indicated that most of the sugarcane has reached maturity, creating a favorable window for the process.

While harvesting has gradually started in the Waiqele sector, Chand mentioned that many farmers are still waiting for the government's cane planting subsidy. Despite this, he emphasized the need to continue harvesting to secure income and avoid wasting the efforts put into their farms. He encouraged fellow farmers to begin harvesting now that the mill has started its operations.

Currently, only a few cane trucks have been observed entering the mill, with the usual waiting area for queued trucks remaining mostly empty. However, there is anticipation that farmers from the Seaqaqa and Coqeloa sectors will soon join the harvesting efforts as the crushing season gains momentum.

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The weather is good, and it’s the best time to harvest. Things are going well on our side. I believe many farmers are still waiting for the subsidy, but we have to continue working because we need the income. We can’t let all the hard work we’ve put into our farms go to waste.