Sugarcane payments came at the right time, says farmer Bal Krishna Gounder.

He owns a 10-acre sugarcane farm at Nadovi in Nadi. Mr Gounder, 77, a father of four and a grandfather to four children, said the payment lit up hopes for a grand Diwali celebration with his loved ones.

“It is going to be a good Diwali for us because the payments came at the right time.

“All the family members will celebrate Diwali here at home with me,” said Mr Gounder.

He said income from his farm had paid for his children’s education, built and extended their home, and fed them daily.

“I kept on working in the field. I still drive the tractor, even though I have labourers. I know that I am strong enough to work on my farm because I learned to discipline my life in everything.”

He thanked the Ministry of Sugar for the payments that the farmers received before Diwali.

Previous sugarcane payments

“In previous years, there were a lot of deductions, but today we received full payments.

“I thank the stakeholders. Being a sugarcane farmer is not an easy task.

“We thank the Government for providing ways for us to continue with sugarcane farming, especially for members of the younger generations who are coming after us.

“I am thankful that my children were committed to helping me on the farm.”

Surendra Chand, 66, also praised Government for allowing him and other sugarcane growers to enjoy Diwali worry-free.

“I have been in the sugarcane farming business since the age of 18 and this is the first time where we received payment well before Diwali without any deduction,” Mr Chand said.

Surendra Chand at his sugarcane farm in Siberia, Labasa, on November 1, 2023. Photo: Shratika Naidu

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