A group of farmers in Labasa is currently awaiting the disbursement of their sugarcane planting grants, raising their concerns with Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica during his recent visit to Lajonia. The farmers expressed their frustrations to Mr. Kamikamica, highlighting that they had not received the grants, which they applied for between August and October, unlike last year when the funds were allocated in a more timely manner.
Farmer Vineshwar Prasad mentioned that he has continued working on his four acres of land, planting new crops as they prepare for the planting season. He noted receiving information from a Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) official indicating that the delay was due to a lack of release from the Ministry of Sugar. Similarly, Sunil Nair, farming on 3.5 acres, emphasized the importance of timely fund release following farm inspections.
Long-time farmer Parmeshwar Pillay, who has been in the sugarcane business for over two decades, echoed the sentiment that the aging population of farmers requires support as sugarcane cultivation is their primary source of income. His commitment to continuing his family’s farming legacy reflects the dedication many farmers share.
In response to these concerns, Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar, recently stated that the Ministry of Finance had released the necessary funds to the FSC, which began the verification process for farm inspections. He noted that while the funds were released on November 12 and 18, the careful review of applications is crucial to preventing issues that plagued previous seasons, such as improper germination.
This situation highlights the importance of timely communication and support for farmers, particularly in a sector that is essential to their livelihoods. As the verification process moves forward, there is hope that farmers will soon receive the necessary grants to enhance their operations and ensure the stability of sugarcane farming in the region.
In summary, the Labasa farmers are currently facing delays in receiving their sugarcane planting grants, raising concerns with government officials. However, government actions are being taken to address these concerns, providing hope for a resolution that supports the farmers’ livelihoods.
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