A group of farmers in Labasa has yet to receive their sugarcane planting grant, raising concerns during a recent visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica. The farmers expressed their anxieties about not receiving the grant this year, unlike last year’s timeliness.
The farmers, including Vineshwar Prasad, Sunil Nair, Kamal Singh, and Parmeshwar Pillay, reported applying for the grant between August and October and are still awaiting feedback. Prasad highlighted their commitment to farming, stating, “While we wait, we continue to work on the farm, planting new crops right after harvest and land preparation.” He mentioned communication with a Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) officer who indicated that the Ministry of Sugar had not yet released the necessary funds.
Nair, who tends to 3.5 acres of land for sugarcane, urged both the FSC and the ministry to expedite the release of the grant following farm inspections. He emphasized that many farmers rely on verbal information, which can be challenging. Pillay, a seasoned farmer with over 20 years in sugarcane farming, described the situation as urgent, especially for the aging farming population that depends heavily on this income.
Meanwhile, Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar, recently returned from COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and announced that funds had indeed been transferred from the Ministry of Finance to the FSC. Singh clarified that the funds were released on November 12 and 18 and are currently undergoing a verification process. He noted that last year’s early fund release led to issues with germination, thus supporting the need for thorough application checks before funds are disbursed.
In summary, while challenges remain for the Labasa farmers concerning their sugarcane planting grants, the government’s commitment to verifying these grants could lead to a more efficient planting season ahead. This situation underscores the resilience and dedication of the farmers, who continue to manage their crops while awaiting assistance. With a hopeful outlook, the farmers may soon receive the financial support they need to sustain their livelihoods and continue their invaluable contributions to the agriculture sector.
Leave a comment