Farmers in Labasa are expressing their frustration over the delay in receiving their sugarcane planting grant. During a recent visit to Lajonia, Labasa, they voiced their concerns to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica. The farmers, including Vineshwar Prasad, Sunil Nair, Kamal Singh, and Parmeshwar Pillay, reported that they have not received their grants this year, unlike last year, despite applying for assistance between August and October.
While they await funding, the farmers continue to actively work on their fields, growing new crops after harvesting. Mr. Prasad mentioned that his four-acre farm is thriving, while Mr. Nair has also cultivated sugarcane on his 3.5 acres. Mr. Pillay, a seasoned sugarcane farmer with over two decades of experience, emphasized the urgency for support, especially as many farmers rely solely on this income source.
The delay in grant disbursement has been attributed to a lack of timely ministry action. Mr. Singh, recently returned from the COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, indicated that the Ministry of Finance has released the necessary funds to the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), which is now verifying the farmers’ applications. He highlighted that last year’s premature fund release led to poor planting results, prompting the current need for thorough checks before distributing funds.
In a positive light, the farmers remain resilient, continuing their work while awaiting the grants. This situation illustrates their dedication and commitment to sustainable agricultural practices despite bureaucratic challenges, fostering hope for a more efficient process in the future. The assurance from government officials indicates that support for farmers might soon be forthcoming.
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