SUGARCANE farmers in the Lautoka and Rarawai mill areas are being forced to pay non-refundable advance and as much as $5 more per tonne to canecutters because of escalating labour shortages in the Western Division.

Growers in Ba, Nadi, Rakiraki and Tavua continue to have difficulties finding cutters and have no option but to meet the demands of labourers.

“After a slow start to the season, we have managed to find some cutters but the fact of the matter is we are being forced to pay $20 per tonne,” said canegrower Kuar Singh.