Farmers in Labasa have expressed their frustrations regarding the delay in receiving their sugarcane planting grants. During a recent visit to Lajonia, Labasa, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, listened to their grievances. The farmers, including Vineshwar Prasad, Sunil Nair, Kamal Singh, and Parmeshwar Pillay, noted that unlike the previous year, they have yet to receive the grants they applied for between August and October.
Despite the wait, the farmers remain proactive, continuing their agricultural activities. Prasad, who cultivates four acres, mentioned that he has been planting new crops following harvests and preparing the land, while Nair is similarly nurturing sugarcane on his 3.5-acre plot. Nair emphasized the need for timely inspections and fund releases from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and the Ministry of Sugar.
Pillay, a seasoned sugarcane farmer with over 20 years of experience, highlighted the challenges faced by many farmers, particularly the aging demographic, who rely heavily on sugarcane farming as their main source of income.
In response to their concerns, Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar, stated that the Ministry of Finance has actually released the necessary funds to the FSC on November 12 and 18, which is now in the process of verifying the farms. Singh noted that this year’s fund release timeline differs from last year, aimed at ensuring farmers can plant healthy crops after previous issues with germination.
This situation underscores the importance of communication and timely administrative support for farmers who depend on these grants. As the authorities proceed with verification, it is hoped that the farmers will receive the necessary funds soon, allowing them to resume their planting operations without further delay. The resilience shown by these farmers amidst uncertainty inspires optimism for a more favorable growing season ahead.
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