Government eyes solution for hilly cane harvesting

Fiji's government is exploring mechanical harvesting to tackle the difficulties sugar cane farmers face on steep terrain. Farmers in Daku, Wainikoro, and Tabia have reported increased harvesting challenges, citing difficult land and a shortage of labor. This labor gap is partly due to workers leaving Fiji for overseas jobs.

Minister for Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna stated that mechanical harvesters for hillsides are currently under research. "Harvesters on the hills are currently still under a research programme. There are quite a few very good machines available, but we need to identify the machines that are more applicable to our situation in Fiji," he said.

The Ministry of Sugar, Fiji Sugar Corporation, Sugar Research Institute of Fiji, and the Cane Growers Council are working together to find equipment suited for Fiji's specific conditions. One machine is undergoing testing to assess its economic viability and practical effectiveness before the government considers purchasing more units. Suitable harvesters could significantly ease labor shortages and boost efficiency on challenging slopes, pending further evaluation.

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Harvesters on the hills are currently still under a research programme. There are quite a few very good machines available, but we need to identify the machines that are more applicable to our situation in Fiji.