Prem proud cane farmer again
ABa cane farmer said he was once again proud of who he is, a sugar cane farmer. Prem of Moto Sector, following a talanoa session with over 400 other cane farmers and Acting Prime Minister and Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum at Nukuloa College in Ba said this was because of changes being brought into their lives.
This was evident amongst the majority of farmers who applauded Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, the officials of the Ministry of Sugar led by its outgoing Director Viliame Gucake and the Fiji Sugar Corporation led by its CEO Graham Clark.
He said the assistance now being felt by the sugar industry was all because of the present Government.
“Like all farmers, I am very proud of being a farmer and who I am.” Prem said they were affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston but Government has come forward to assist them in all ways. Meanwhile Mr Sayed-Khaiyum told the farmers that what they were doing was not political.
“We are not here to politicise the sugar industry but rather to make it economical.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum, while answering the concerns by some farmers on the high charges wanted by those who had their own mechanical harvesters and trucks, said the Fiji Commerce Commission was the right people for them to see. He said this was because the commission was equipped to sort out illegal increases as such.
He said this was the case in places where they was a monopoly. Any increase would be first checked by the commission and a decision made if the increase is to be allowed.
Farmers raised similar queries as in the past and this was elaborated upon by Mr Sayed-Khaiyum. Fiji Sugar Corporation Chief Operating Officer Navin Chandra has assured farmers that they would see more of the faces of sector officers whom the company will use to publicise what was happening in the industry.
Mr Chandra said there was a need, and this was being implemented, for the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF), FSC and the farmers to work together. “SRIF has some fantastic ideas.” Mr Chandra meanwhile told farmers that FSC has got together two gangs of harvesting to assist in harvesting and they were shortly bringing in another 300 more cutters.
Here are some comments by farmers following the meeting:
Shiran, a farmer of Moto Sector said he was very happy with the support Government was giving to farmers. It is very good for the farmers. Everything is good now.
Suresh Shandil, of Varoko Sector, said he has 30 years of experience of toiling in the cane fields and has never come across any Government who has provided such assistance. Mr Shandil said his only hope was for the price of the fertiliser to be lowered.
Prominent Ba grower and businessman Gyan Singh had expressed his appreciation for the assistance Government was doing. Mr Singh said such assistance never happened in the past and the Government should be commended for its efforts in getting the industry back on its feet.
Prem of Moto Sector described Government’s support for the sugar industry with “excellent.” This has never happened before and the help towards the farmers have come at the right time. He said their committee meetings have been very positive and this was due to the Government coming forward to help the farmers. “As farmers we are feeling proud of whom we are.”
Latchman of Varavu Sector said he was happy for the assistance being given by Government. He said this was not only to farmers but to everybody in Fiji.