Government will assist farmers whose crops were damaged during Tropical Cyclone Yasa, said Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

He was referring to cane farmers in the North, in view of the damage to newly planted crops.

“We have met with farmers to provide assistance with respect to crop damages and it is not just about indicating early cane payment,” he said.

Joint ministerial announcement

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the Ministry of Sugar and the Ministry of Agriculture had discussions earlier in the week over the matter.

He said it was not just about an early pay out.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said an announcement will be made soon by the Ministry of Sugar and the Ministry of Agriculture, about the early cane payout.

Meanwhile, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the Blue Lane initiative had slowed down, as a result of the cyclone season.

He said with the HMAS Adelaide which arrived to assist with the rehabilitation work needed in the wake of TC Yasa, would improve activity the Blue Lane initiative.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said Government would be looking at replicating protocols with the Australian government.

This would help the success rate of the development of the Bula Bubble.

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