A major Harvesting Gang Rationalization exercise has begun in all sugar sectors.

Sugar Industry Tribunal registrar, Timothy Brown says the Rationalization has become urgent and necessary with the increase in the operation of mechanical harvesters.

Brown says mechanical harvesters have been of great assistance to the industry, however, after the formation of mechanical harvesting gangs, a few growers are being left out as their farms are on hilly terrains.

This has made it quite inefficient and costly for these growers to operate as a unit.

The Tribunal is conducting the exercise together with the Sugarcane Growers Council and the Fiji Sugar Corporation.

The exercise will ensure an efficient harvesting system is in place during the 2019 season