Mechanical harvesting groups are hiring machine operators from India not by choice but out of necessity.
Greenfield Mechanical Harvester Cooperative Limited chairperson Krishna Murti Gounder said locally trained operators were difficult to hire.
He said the local operators were inconsistent.
“So, we bring in the operators from India because they are consistent and they can also carry out minor repairs on the machines,” Mr Gounder said.
He said this year more than 50 operators from India had been deployed to cooperatives across the country.
Lautoka Cane Producers Association president Bala Dass said it was easier to employ foreign operators.
“There is less hassle involved and we don’t have to go to their homes looking for them,” he said.
