Raw sugarcane has stout and jointed stalks that can reach to a height of 6 to 19 feet. These fibrous stalks are rich in sugar, while they bear broad and alternate ...

Perhaps the workers were paid by the piece, as opposed to being paid for a specific amount/weight.

... o lo entregaron a modalidad de caña libre = or they worked (literally: delivered it) on a piece-rate basis

I am not so sure if "piecemeal" would also be appropriate, or this this term might connote an even less advantageous situation, and thus may be slightly less advisable.

Sugar Commodity Atlas Research Page with a Map
The labor-intensive nature of sugarcane production provides employment and ... cutters are typically paid on a **piece-rate basis** per weight of cane harvested, but ...
https://www.verite.org/project/sugar-3/

Risk Analysis of Labor Violations Among Farmworkers ...
Action-Change) on labor conditions in Guatemalan sugarcane production in late. 2016. ... While workers may legally be paid on a **piece rate basis**, it can create ...
https://globalinitiative.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Risk...

Labor Conditions in the Dominican Sugar Industry: MOVING ...static1.squarespace.com › static › DSI+Update+2+04+16
During the current harvest, or zafra, the DSI will employ fewer sugar cane cutters due to a severe drought ... cultivation workers that work on a **piece rate basis.**

task and risk mapping of sugarcane production in india - Fair ...www.fairlabor.org › default › files › documents ›
During the peak production period, additional workers are hired on a daily or **piece rate basis**. In North India, most farms are small to medium-size; large farms are.

"El concepto CAÑA LIBRE (NO CONTRATADA) se refiere a la caña recibida previo acuerdo del Comité de Producción y Calidad Cañera, procedente de productores que no tienen contrato con ningún Ingenio." (Mexico)

Situation and Outlook Report: Oil cropsbooks.google.com.ar › books
Producers in the eastern Corn Belt may be waiting to sell their uncontracted crop early in 1994 when prices will be strongest, which will boost the ...
1992 - ‎Oil industries
Tobacco growers earn US$362m | The Heraldwww.herald.co.zw › ...
Jun 3, 2012 - ... with the decline in deliveries to the auction market, blaming this to contractors whom they accused of buying uncontracted crop from growers.