With the closure date of the Labasa mill still unknown, Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh says farmers are now rushing to save more than 50,000 tonnes of sugar cane waiting to be harvested.
Mr Singh said the mill is currently processing about 4000 tonnes a day, but the clock is ticking.
“As of now, there are around 50,000 tonnes left. If farmers work hard, we can clear all the cane within 10 days. But the closure date has not been confirmed,” he said.
Mr Singh said they want the mill to close on November 24, but with more sugar cane expected to be crushed, this may not happen.
“The date of closure will be reviewed every week,” he said.
Despite the concerns, he said Government is pushing ahead with efforts to attract new growers and rebuild the industry.
“We have been distributing new farmers’ lease assistance to those wanting to start cane farming.”
Each new farmer receives up to $7500; yesterday the ministry handed out offer letters and agreements to 115 new farmers.
“This shows we are not just talking about it, we are actually doing it. We want new farmers to come in and take cane farming as their primary source of income.”
Across the country, he said, 563 new farmers have been assisted.
