Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh has called for severe penalties, including jail time, for individuals responsible for arson that has led to the destruction of cane farms. His remarks come in the wake of several incidents where sugarcane farms were set ablaze, with a total of nearly 170 acres burned across locations including Labasa, Tavua, and Rakiraki, resulting in a loss of approximately 4,950 tons of cane. This destruction not only impacts farmers significantly just before the commencement of sugar mill operations but also poses a recurring threat to the agricultural community.
Singh has emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into these incidents, recognizing that off-season burning, whether intentional or accidental, has become a serious challenge for the sugarcane industry. He noted that such criminal acts should be punished rigorously, akin to actions observed in other parts of the world where individuals found guilty of similar offenses face imprisonment. “The farmers work hard throughout the year for their crops, and then someone deliberately destroys their livelihood,” Singh stated.
In response to the devastation caused by these fires, the ministry has approved a one-off rehabilitation package of $650 per acre for affected farmers. These funds are expected to be released soon, providing much-needed relief to those impacted by the recent incidents. However, the Minister has clarified that this financial assistance is not meant to condone offseason burning but rather to reinforce the importance of accountability and adherence to the law.
These incidents echo concerns raised by the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF), whose CEO Vinesh Kumar has previously condemned the reckless acts of arson, stressing the extensive damage to both farmers and vital research data that supports the industry. Kumar has consistently called for community vigilance to combat such criminal acts, highlighting that cooperation among farmers and local authorities is essential for safeguarding the sugarcane sector’s future.
The call for accountability and legal action against arsonists is a crucial step towards protecting the agricultural industry and ensuring farmers can continue to thrive. As such, the situation presents an opportunity for the community to unite against these threats and work towards a sustainable and prosperous future in sugarcane farming.
Leave a comment