Fiji Sugar Cane Growers Council CEO: Burnt Cane A Major Concern
Cane growers have called out against arsonists and bush fires damaging their cane.
Sugarcane Growers Council
Sugarcane Growers Council Chief Executive Officer, Vimal Dutt said the council would help the farmers affected by fires.
He said burning of cane was a growing concern.
“This implies people need to be more responsible in combating burning and harvesting of cane,” Mr Dutt said.
“Most fires are beyond growers’ control, and are linked to bush fires. Arson is a great challenge for growers,” he said.
Three cane growers in Tavarau, Ba had their sugar cane farms damaged in a fire earlier this week.
Cane grower Ashok Kumar said the farmers were being penalised because of someone else’s doing.
“I managed to harvest my burnt cane the same day of the fire. But if I hadn’t done that, I would have been penalised,” he said.
Mr Kumar said the harvester was already on standby to cut the green cane.
“Unfortunately, the fire spread the same day we had planned to harvest the green cane.”
He said he managed to harvest 90 tonnes of cane from his three acre farm.
“I urge farmers to harvest their green cane as harvesters are available for flatlands.”
“Because fires can spread and damage cane from other farms,” he said.
Cane Grower Ajend Kumar. Photo: Shreya Kumar.
Ajend Kumar
Cane grower Ajend Kumar faced the same ordeal.
“Earlier during the crushing season, a portion of my farm was burnt and I had to deliver about 30 tonnes of cane to the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Lautoka mill.”
“The part of the farm I was able to save burnt earlier this week. Again, I will be delivering burnt cane to the mill.”
He said farmers were at a loss.
“Now we will have to file a report, and then lodge the report to FSC.”
“These have costs,” Mr Ajend Kumar said.
Cane Grower Asha Chandra
Asha Chandra
Cane grower Asha Chandra shared similar sentiments.
“My husband would look after our farm before he passed away three months ago,” she said.
“We have delivered eight tonnes to the FSC Lautoka mill already.”
“We were expecting to harvest around 300 tonnes of cane but after the fire, we are uncertain,” Ms Chandra said.
The three farmers have urged the Ministry of Sugar and FSC to help farmers falling victim to arson.
Feedback: shreya.kumar@fijisun.com.fj
