Chinese eye cane-planting machines
PAN-CARIBBEAN Sugar could bring cane-planting machines to Jamaica.
The technology currently used in China can be used here, said Francis He, deputy chief executive officer of Pan-Caribbean Sugar Company.
The machines would eliminate the need for human labour, making the process faster and more cost effective.
Currently, the company, which has three estates — Monymusk in Clarendon, Bernard Lodge in St Catherine, and Frome in Westmoreland — has over 10,000 hectares of land under cultivation. Pan-Caribbean plans to plant an additional 5,000 to 6,000 hectares over the next three years.
Earlier this year, the Chinese-run sugar company received its marketing licence, which will allow it to export sugar come October.
He believes that the marketing licence will allow them to lower the price of sugar.
The Pan-Caribbean boss was speaking at the scholarship and outstanding employee awards ceremony last Thursday.
Scholarships were awarded to nine students, some of whom will attend the University of the West Indies this academic year. Over 20 employees were recognised for outstanding contribution.
