RAINFALL in the Western Division last week brought relief to the Fiji Pine Industry’s planting program.
Board chairman Faiz Khan said dry weather over the preceding weeks had begun to affect new pine plants.
“The imminent possibility of shutting down our planting program has been negated due to the good rain received from Monday to Thursday in our forests,” he said.
“Our prayers were answered and the planting program will continue for now.
“We will re-evaluate our position in one month’s time.”
Tropik Wood Industries Limited in Drasa Lautoka, part of the Fiji Pine Group, embarked on an ambitious plan in 2012 to plant 33 million pine trees over the next seven years.
With a total target area of 30,000 hectares at 1100 plants per hectare, the reforestation program is expected to cost $30million and raise significantly more in pine wood and chips for both the export and local market.
