THE Sugar Cane Growers Council is calling on all growers, machine operators, and lorry operators to work together and harvest their crop.
Council CEO Vimal Dutt said every tonne of cane harvested was important for the 2026 crushing season.
“Behind every tonne is a grower, a family, a community and a contribution towards Fiji’s economy,” he said.
“Council urges all harvesting service providers to support growers.
“Let us not lose this favourable harvesting opportunity.
“Efficiency, co-operation and timely action will determine the success of this season.”
Mr Dutt said the number of harvesting gangs currently operating was still not where they expected it to be but they were encouraged to see more harvesting gangs submitting their Memorandum of Gang Agreement (MOGA) farms.
“We urge others to follow without delay.”
He acknowledged Government’s support towards the industry, particularly the guaranteed cane price of $85 per tonne, the delivery payment of $47 per tonne, and additional measures aimed at easing harvesting and transportation pressures during these challenging times.
“The fuel subsidy support of $5 per tonne towards mechanical harvesting, the manual harvesting of $5 per tonne, together with cartage assistance paid to growers, are practical and timely interventions that directly support harvesting activities at farm level.”
Mr Dutt said these measures were important considering the increasing costs of harvesting, transportation, fuel and the ongoing labour challenges faced by growers.
“The responsibility before us now is to convert this support into action, mobilise harvesting gangs, maximise the favourable weather, ensure steady cane supply and deliver a successful 2026 crushing season.”
