Farmers in Labasa are currently awaiting the disbursement of their sugarcane planting grants, which they have not received this year. During a recent visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications Manoa Kamikamica to Lajonia, the farmers expressed their concerns. They reported that unlike last year, their grants have not yet been issued, despite applying between August and October.
Assuring the farmers, Mr. Kamikamica stated he would communicate their issues to Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh. Among those who raised their concerns were farmers Vineshwar Prasad, Sunil Nair, Kamal Singh, and Parmeshwar Pillay, who are keen to continue their work, having already planted new crops on their respective lands while waiting for the grant. Mr. Prasad mentioned that an officer from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) informed him that the Ministry of Sugar had not released the funds.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Nair pointed out the importance of timely inspections and fund releases, indicating that many farmers, particularly the less educated, depend on verbal confirmations and updates. Mr. Pillay, who has dedicated over two decades to sugarcane farming, emphasized the need for support for aging farmers reliant on sugarcane as their sole source of income.
On the other hand, Mr. Singh, who has recently returned from the COP29 conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, clarified that the Ministry of Finance had approved the funding for the FSC, which is currently in the process of verifying the farms. He noted that funds were released on November 12 and 18, unlike the previous year, where premature fund releases led to inadequate planting and poor germination.
This situation not only highlights the challenges faced by farmers in receiving timely financial support but also underscores the necessity for systematic checks and balances in the grant application process.
Despite the current uncertainty, the resilience demonstrated by the farmers is commendable. They continue to work diligently on their land and express hope for a resolution. With ongoing discussions between the farmers and government officials, there is a possibility of a more streamlined process that could benefit the sugarcane industry in the future.
In summary, while Labasa farmers are experiencing delays in receiving their sugarcane planting grants, government officials are actively involved in addressing these concerns, potentially paving the way for improvements in the future.
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