Cane farmers are seemingly happy for the rain that has been dousing the country for the past week, in the middle of the crop's growing period.

Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Allan Rickards, chairman of the All-Island Cane Farmers Association, said those primarily in the Clarendon region were ecstatic for the showers that should tremendously assist the growing of the crop.

"The farmers are extremely happy for the rain as it's a vital period, since there was a period of drought," Mr. Rickards said.

John Plummer, of the Monymusk Sugar Factory in Clarendon, said once the rain is mixed with a few days of sunshine and the showers ease off by late November, farmers may experience a high-quality crop this season.

drains

"I hope it will kind of ease off and let the canes grow. (We) need to get the water to drain off the land, but we are happy for rain," Mr. Plummer said.

Cane crops were planted from the end of June into July while the reaping period usually starts in January.

Monymusk suffered a battering from Hurricane Dean in August, with an estimated 30 per cent crop damage. At the same time, Mr. Plummer advised farmers to ensure that drains along the cane fields are cleared.

Mr. Rickards also said that, hopefully after the flooding farm roads would be repaired.