Rising from the Ashes: Community Takes a Stand Against Sugarcane Fires

A meeting took place in Rakiraki last night between Dr. Vinesh Kumar, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, and local farmer Vincent Rattan, who recently suffered a significant loss of 400 tonnes of sugar cane due to a fire. Dr. Kumar assured Rattan, stating that while the fire was a setback, it should not be viewed as a defeat. He emphasized that the government, led by Sugar Industry Minister Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, is actively working to tackle the numerous challenges faced by sugarcane growers, addressing issues ranging from labor availability to quota management.

In light of the rising incidents of cane fires, Dr. Kumar also met with local police to discuss strategies to prevent further occurrences. These strategies include increased night patrols in vulnerable areas, regular visits to temporary housing for cane cutters, and potential restrictions on movement in high-risk zones after 10 PM. He underscored that these fires pose not only a threat to farmers’ livelihoods but also to the overall health of the nation’s sugar industry.

This recent effort reflects an ongoing concern within the community over arson attacks that have severely impacted the sugarcane industry, with recent statistics indicating that over 5,000 tonnes of cane have been lost to both arson and accidental fires. The Sugar Minister has previously noted that stronger penalties are necessary for those responsible for such acts, as they endanger not only the agricultural sector but also the farmers’ way of life.

Looking forward, there remains optimism. The government has proposed a rehabilitation package of $650 per acre for farmers affected by these fires, aiming to support recovery efforts. Collective actions from both the community and the authorities show a commitment to assisting affected farmers while reinforcing the need for accountability against criminal activities in the sugarcane sector.

Overall, while the challenges are considerable, there is a sense of community resilience and hope that through collaboration, the sugarcane industry can navigate these obstacles toward a more sustainable and secure future.