Northern Cane Farmers Cooperative Receives Grant
Mr Karan said they want the farmers to be heard and he want their voice to reach them so they can make good policies.
The permanent secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister, Immigration and Sugar Industry Yogesh Karan has urged eight cane farmers’ from cooperatives in Labasa and Seaqaqa to be honest in their dealing and to voice their opinion.
Mr Karan was speaking during the handing over of the $90,000 grant to each cooperative at Macuata House in Labasa on Friday, “I am aware of the issues you are facing and you can’t sit back and relax,” Mr Karan said.
“Let us work together hand in hand and gradually resolve issues. “The sugar industry is here to stay.
“We have been putting pressure on Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to have efficient mills.
“We have been having meetings with the chief executive officer of FSC to ensure there is no wastage.”
He said: “I would like to advise you that whatever problems you have, don’t sit on it,” he said
“Don’t hesitate to contact or call us on toll free number provided to you.”
He said if FSC doesn’t assist them, they can call the PM’s office for help.
“Very soon I will be advertising a list of names of people and their contact who will be looking after specific problems.
“We want the farmers to be heard and I want your voices to reach us so that we can make good policies.”
Scheme
He added that without mechanisation it is very hard and that is why the Prime Minister introduced the cooperative scheme which was rolled out in 2016.
Recipients
Meanwhile, Seaqaqa Cane Harvesting Cooperative Limited president Satish Chand and treasurer Shaheed Khan said they were thankful to be one the recipients. “There are 13 farmers who will benefit from the provision of one harvest,” Mr Chand said.
“We contributed $72,000 and the Government gave us $90,000 grant.” He added: “We are so excited because now we don’t have to worry about bringing labourers to work in our farms.”
Another recipient, Natua/Solove Combined Cooperative Limited president Chayan Singh said finally the dream of 20 members who are sugarcane farmers had come true.
“One cannot imagine the kind of struggles we face every year especially during harvesting season,” Mr Singh said.
“With the support of the Government we have a ray of hope.”