Rising fuel prices are beginning to affect sugarcane production as farmers cut back on operations to reduce costs, says Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna.
Mr Tunabuna said increasing fuel prices could lower productivity in the upcoming crushing season as some farmers may avoid costly farm operations.
“Higher fuel costs reduce productivity because farmers may avoid operations that are becoming too expensive,” he said.
He said some mechanical harvesters may reduce diesel use by limiting operations such as blowers used to remove trash from cane.
“For example, mechanical harvesters may reduce diesel use by not operating blowers that remove trash from cane.
“As a result, mills receive more trash mixed with cane, increasing workload and reducing efficiency.”
He said rising fuel prices had flow-on effects across many areas of sugar production.
