Appointments, sugar, rugby
Cronyism or nepotism
PREMILA Prasad is absolutely correct regarding the municipal councils appointments of failed politicians from SODELPA, PAP and NFP. It is really sad because she should have understood by now, after being with the FFP for eight years. Within the political sphere, the “communication language” is either through cronyism or nepotism. An associate or a family member. It is like an official language. It happened to almost all countries on this earth. She didn’t even notice this when she was within the governing circle, until now. What a revelation! SAMU SILATOLU
Nakasi
Doom and gloom
DO you think the only way to revive the declining sugar industry is to get rid of the agricultural land lease arrangement?
In my view, it is something which is never going to happen. So, it would be best to start looking elsewhere to boost the agricultural industry.
This is obviously not an attempt to be disrespectful, but just being plain realistic.
As I understand, landowners get returns from the lease agreements and naturally, the more attractive the plant (monetary returns), the higher shall be the return.
The sugar industry has lost its attractiveness and unfortunately grass growing on idle land, which once witnessed thriving sugar cane farms, are not export commodity.
Sugar ministers and experts came and went without making any concrete progress. Many speeches have been delivered and countless overseas trips made.
The sugar industry is on life support and as soon as the financial support plug gets pulled, a flatline would be visible immediately.
The cotton industry died in Fiji many years ago. Likewise, a recent exploration into potato farming failed miserably.
There have been no suggestions of resource pouring to get the cotton and potato farms up and running.
FSC has now suggested to sell some of its assets to boost revenue. An idea is being explored to build a new sugar mill in Rakiraki and a couple of farmers were sent to India to study the sugar industry.
The above against the following: High production costs; expiring land leases; ageing farmers; number of sugar mills have dwindled since the industry’s birth in Fiji; mill inefficiencies etc.
Earlier this month, it was reported that the country’s kava exports have been earmarked to surpass sugar as the major revenue earner for the agricultural sector.
Does that mean we are about to have a separate ministry of kava with a minister for kava industry?
The funny thing is that sugarcane is harvested yearly whereas kava takes much longer to reach maturity.
With suggestions of a medicinal cannabis industry setup, the diabetic sugar industry is definitely doomed.
The sooner we realise and accept this, the better for Fiji.
The former minister for sugar should have a lot to talk about on this subject.
MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka
Stallions unbeaten
I’M super proud of the performance of the Nadroga team in the Skipper Cup. The boys are unbeaten having won all their matches. The Stallions have so far beaten Macuata 36-14, Namosi 41-24, Naitasiri 36-27 and Ba 2216.
The likes of Aisake Atani, Joji Kunavula, Ratunaisa Navuma, Sakiusa Vosayaco, Ratu Meli Kurisaru, Anare Tuitai, Waqa Nalaga, Taniela Rakuro, Michael Naitokani, Jack Volalova, Jone Dukumoi, Nedly Grant, Ilikimi Torosi and Manueli Ratuniyarawa have been impressive. Hakwa Nadro! RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Balgovind Rd, Nadawa, Nasinu