Cane farmers in Waidamudamu, located in Labasa, are facing a serious crisis due to a spate of destructive fire incidents that have wreaked havoc on their crops. The intense fires, suspected to be arson, have severely cut production, leaving farmers such as veteran Chandar Bhan contemplating leaving the industry for good after losing both his home and farm in an April blaze. Bhan expressed his despair to FBC News, stating, “It has affected me a lot, because everything I had was burnt. I want to sell this land, get some money, and build another house somewhere else.”
The emotional and financial toll of these incidents is significantly discouraging farmers from rebuilding their livelihoods. Another farmer, Mohammed Khaiyum, echoed these sentiments, noting that his farm has endured two fires in just the past three days. The situation has been exacerbated by the lack of support for crops destroyed after the official sugar cane crushing season, as recent regulations specify that only those impacted before this period are eligible for a newly approved rehabilitation package of $650 per acre.
The Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, has condemned such acts of arson, advocating for legal proceedings against those responsible. His statements come on the heels of alarming statistics indicating that upwards of 5,000 tonnes of sugarcane have been destroyed this season, one of the most challenging periods for farmers in recent memory. Last year, discussions within the industry revealed the immense impact of fires, which not only damage individual farms but also jeopardize the sustainability of Fiji’s broader agricultural economy.
Efforts to address these issues include proposed measures for heightened community vigilance and stricter penalties for arson. While the current situation is certainly grim, the collective determination of farmers, alongside government-backed support initiatives, offers a foundation for hope. As affected farmers and stakeholders band together to combat these destructive practices, there remains a path toward recovery and sustainability in Fiji’s vital sugar sector, fostering resilience that the community desperately needs.
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