The stand over cane in the Western division will be used as seedlings to plant new cane under the Cane Development Program.

Sugar Research Institute of Fiji acting chief executive, Prem Naidu, says due to the prolonged dry spell in the division, they are highly likely to face shortage of cane seedlings.

However, Naidu says many farmers who wanted to plant new cane for the next crushing season have left some un-harvested cane for seedlings.

Naidu is advising farmers to use the right seedlings for the new cane planting program.

The Institute is ready to assist those cane farmers who may wish to take advice before planting these seedlings.

Naidu says the FSC field officers can also be contacted for advice.