Farmers in Labasa are currently facing delays in receiving their sugarcane planting grants, which they expressed during a recent meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica. The meeting took place in Lajonia, where farmers raised concerns about the lack of financial support this planting season compared to last year.
Despite having applied for the grant between August and October, farmers such as Vineshwar Prasad, Sunil Nair, Kamal Singh, and Parmeshwar Pillay have yet to see any funding released. Prasad highlighted the ongoing work on their farms, even as they wait for the grant, stating that his sugarcane plants are thriving on his four-acre plot.
According to Prasad, a representative from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) indicated that the Ministry of Sugar had not yet disbursed the funds. Nair echoed this sentiment, urging that both the FSC and the ministry should expedite the grant process after inspecting the farms.
Pillay, who has been in the sugarcane farming business for over two decades, emphasized the importance of support for aging farmers who rely solely on this income. He is committed to continuing his family’s farming legacy despite the current challenges.
In response to these concerns, Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar, noted that the Ministry of Finance had released funds to the FSC on the 12th and 18th of November. He mentioned that the money is currently undergoing a verification process before being disbursed to the farmers. Singh explained that funds were released later this year in part due to last year’s challenges, where early releases led to poor planting outcomes.
This situation highlights the resilience of the farmers in Labasa. While they face challenges with funding, they remain committed to their crops and livelihoods. The ongoing dialogue between farmers and government officials demonstrates a willingness to address these issues and seek a resolution that supports the agricultural community. Hopefully, with the funds on the way and efforts underway to ensure proper verification, the farmers will soon have the support they need to thrive.
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