A group of farmers in Labasa has yet to receive their sugarcane planting grant, raising their concerns with Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica during his recent visit to Lajonia. The farmers, including Vineshwar Prasad, Sunil Nair, Kamal Singh, and Parmeshwar Pillay, informed Kamikamica that unlike previous years, they have been waiting since their application for the grant, submitted between August and October, remains unresolved.
Mr. Prasad noted that he is actively working the fields and has started planting new crops in anticipation of the grant, expressing frustration upon learning that the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has not received the necessary funds from the Ministry of Sugar. Mr. Nair echoed this sentiment, stating that the FSC and the ministry should expedite the process of releasing grants after proper inspections of the farms.
Mr. Pillay, a veteran sugarcane farmer, highlighted the importance of the grant for the older generation of farmers, many of whom rely solely on sugarcane farming for their livelihood. He emphasized the urgency of supporting them to ensure the sustainability of their family businesses.
In response to the farmers’ concerns, Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar, clarified that funds were released by the Ministry of Finance and passed to the FSC recently, on November 12 and 18. He assured farmers that verification of the applications is ongoing. Singh mentioned that last year’s early fund release led to problems with germination, resulting from farmers not being adequately prepared.
This situation highlights the dedication and resilience of the farming community in Labasa, who continue to cultivate their land despite financial uncertainty. While the delays in funding are challenging, the government’s commitment to verifying and releasing funds might help to establish a more organized and effective system that will ultimately benefit the farmers. A hopeful outlook is grounded in the expectation that with better processes in place, farmers will receive timely support, allowing them to thrive and maintain their vital contributions to the agricultural sector.
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