The Ministry of Sugar Industry is taking immediate action to tackle the surge in intentional cane field fires in Fiji. Permanent Secretary Dr. Vinesh Kumar announced measures such as enhanced patrols, stricter enforcement of laws, and public awareness campaigns, in cooperation with the Fiji Sugar Corporation and local community policing teams.
This proactive stance follows a harrowing incident shared by Ram Ritesh, a sugarcane farmer from Rakiraki, who narrowly escaped a blaze with his workers. While loading a truck with harvested cane, Ritesh and his team spotted flames threatening to engulf them, rapidly spread by strong winds. They managed to evade disaster, highlighting the severe risks these fires pose not only to crops but also to human lives.
Dr. Kumar stressed that the fires are not merely a matter of agricultural loss but also a critical issue of safety. The Ministry is encouraging the public to report any suspicious activities related to arson directly to the authorities, reinforcing the message that intentional burning of sugarcane fields is a serious crime.
This situation reflects a broader concern within the sugar industry, as previously reported by the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF), which has warned about the risks posed by arson. They emphasized that such actions disrupt not only the farmers’ livelihoods but also jeopardize vital agricultural research, which has seen significant losses due to these incidents. The SRIF has also initiated calls for community engagement in safeguarding the sugarcane industry.
In light of these events, the government is exploring support options, including a proposed rehabilitation package for affected farmers. There remains hope that with community cooperation and government backing, the sugar industry can navigate through these challenging times and protect its essential contributions to Fiji’s economy. The unity shown in responses to these crises could serve as a foundation for a more resilient future for local farmers.
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