THE Lautoka Cane Producers Association has spent about $320,000 on the purchase of a mechanical harvester and excavator to assist in addressing labour and drainage issues faced by its members.

Association executive manager Arvin Singh said the machines were brought in to help grower members boost harvesting and production.

“Labour shortage has been an issue for a number of years and the trend is expected to continue,” he said.

“So the association decided — with the consensus of its members — to purchase machinery to help us in harvesting and also to improve drainage and help in production.”

Mr Singh said while harvesters would work quite well on flat land, manual labourers would still be needed on hilly areas.

“We are working together as an association to try to address the labour issue and we are looking forward to the co-operation of our members in achieving this.”

The association used funds raised through the sale of sugar to the Fairtrade market to purchase the machinery.

Last year, the association received $2.1million in Fairtrade premiums and about $1.4m was expected this year.