Cane Growers Council acting chief executive officer Sundresh Chetty expects cane production to fall by 300,000 tonnes this season.

He said many farms were still recovering from the recent flood.

"The forecast cane production for 2012 is 2.4 million tonnes but we are forecasting cane production to stand at around 2.1m tonnes this year," said Mr Chetty.

"The recent flood has affected the overall cane and sugar production.

"Farmers are still trying to recover from the flood damage and, at the moment, they're spending much of their time just clearing debris form their farms.

"I think farmers need outside assistance in terms of farm cleaning and rehabilitation."

Mr Chetty said a request was made for an early third cane payment to help the flood-affected farmers.

He said the Fiji Sugar Corporation was looking into the request and that a date of payment would be announced soon.

"Crop rehabilitation is another way of assisting this is a way to rebuild their lives."

He said government was helping farmers with food rations.

"A request has also been made for rice to be delivered to the farmers, the payment for which will be made later through cane payments," he said.

FSC executive chairman Abdul Khan said of the total $18 million loss incurred during the floods, crop damage was estimated at $4.5m.

He said the worst hit areas were Drasa flats, Matawalu and Vitogo in Lautoka, Rarawai, Koronubu and Waiwai flats in Ba and Nabuna and Yaladro in Tavua.

Mr Khan said rehabilitation must be swift to prevent total loss.

Source - http://www.fijitimes.com/