Cane cutters' productivity declined by 50% in the last 15 yrs - Kumari

Cane cutters' productivity level has declined by 50% over the past 15 years.

Director of Planning, Policy and Research for the Ministry of Sugar Industry, Reshmi Kumari highlighted that the average output per cane cutter has dropped from 233 tonnes per season in 2009 to 118 tonnes in 2021.

Kumari says factors such as mill stoppages and workforce capabilities may contribute to this decline however further research is needed to determine the underlying causes.

She says the Ministry of Sugar Industry has proactively supported the Farm Mechanization Strategy by investing approximately $3.5 million from 2017 to 2023 to procure 52 mechanical harvesters, 20 tractors with implements, 12 planters and 16 fertilizer applicators.

The Director says they plan to continue supporting these initiatives under their 2024-2025 budget and explore suitable mechanical harvesting solutions for manual farmers.