Farmers in Labasa are expressing concerns about the delayed disbursement of their sugarcane planting grant, which they have yet to receive this year. During a recent visit to Lajonia, Labasa, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica heard their grievances and promised to relay their concerns to the Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh.
Farmers Vineshwar Prasad, Sunil Nair, Kamal Singh, and Parmeshwar Pillay explained that, unlike the previous year, they have not received their grant after applying for it between August and October. While awaiting this vital support, Prasad shared that he continues to cultivate his crops, showcasing resilience and dedication to his farming practices despite the uncertainty.
“I have four acres of land, and the plants are growing well,” Mr. Prasad noted, expressing his commitment to farming even in the face of bureaucratic delays. Nair, who has been planting sugarcane on his 3.5 acres, emphasized that both the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and the ministry need to expedite the grant release after conducting necessary inspections.
The farmers highlighted the challenges they face, particularly the lack of education among many in the farming community, which often leaves them reliant on informal communication regarding updates. Mr. Pillay, a seasoned sugarcane farmer with over 20 years of experience, underscored the importance of the farming industry as a sole source of income for many aging farmers.
Meanwhile, Minister Singh, recently back from COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, conveyed that the Ministry of Finance had already passed on the released funds to FSC last week. He specified that the funds were released on November 12 and 18 and are currently under verification processes before distribution. Singh noted that timely checks on applications are crucial to prevent previous issues, such as improper germination that hindered last year’s planting.
This situation highlights the farmers’ resilience and commitment to their livelihoods despite bureaucratic hurdles. As they continue their work and hope for timely support, the local community and agricultural sector stand to benefit from the eventual release of these funds, fostering growth and sustainability in the sugarcane industry.
In summary, while the delay in the sugarcane planting grant poses challenges for farmers in Labasa, their commitment to their land and crops remains unwavering. With the Minister’s assurance that necessary steps are being taken to expedite the process, there is hope for timely assistance that will positively impact their farming efforts.
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