Canegrowers in the Western Division are calling on Government to lift COVID-19 restrictions so the Lautoka mill can open soon.
They said there had been no COVID-19 cases in Nadi and Lautoka in the past five weeks and lives and livelihoods were being severely affected.
Nawaicoba and Malamala Cane Farmers Cooperative treasurer and sardar Saiyad Khalid Shah said the restrictions were “nonsense”.
The prominent Nadi farmer said the cooperative’s $320,000 mechanical harvester, bought through a $90,000 government grant, was affected by the shutdown of businesses.
“The mechanic and spare parts shop for this model of harvester is based in Lautoka and 60 per cent of our harvester is in need of repair,” he said.
Mr Shah said Government should focus on agriculture because the tourism industry wasn’t likely to open in the next two to three years.
Sugar Ministry permanent secretary Yogesh Karan said crushing dates for Viti Levu mills would be pushed back because of the risks associated with COVID-19.
The Lautoka mill was scheduled to start crushing on June 4, Rarawai on June 23 and Labasa on July 7.
Questions sent to Sugar Ministry permanent secretary, Yogesh Karan on the issues raised by Mr Shah remain unanswered.
