Police protection helps Labasa farmer end 10-year cane farm ordeal

After a decade of repeated cane farm arson, Chench Reddy has finally harvested sugarcane from his 12-acre farm in Waiqele, Labasa.

The 60-year-old credited Minister for Sugar, Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna, Ministry of Agriculture officials in Labasa and the Fiji Police Force for helping protect his crop during this year's harvesting season.

"On May 18, I met Mr Tunabuna and asked if he could arrange for Police officers to guard my farm until the Labasa sugar mill opened," Mr Reddy said.

"He immediately contacted Divisional Police Commander North Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, who deployed officers to assist."

Mr Reddy said officers from Labasa Police Station took turns guarding his farm for about a month.

He said the Police presence also protected the farms of other sugarcane growers whose crops had previously been destroyed by arson before last year's crushing season.

"Along with me, 10 other sugarcane farmers in Waiqele were protected from arson this year. That means they are now in a better position to earn an income and support their families," Mr Reddy said.

He said he once cultivated 21 acres of sugarcane and supplied about 600 tonnes to the Labasa sugar mill each season.

"I lost 10 years of income. During that time, the Ministry of Agriculture helped me by providing vegetable seedlings and assisting me to establish a small poultry farm so I could earn money to survive," he said.

Mr Reddy said the prolonged stress and depression contributed to a heart attack that required bypass surgery in 2023.

"I thank this Government for helping an ordinary citizen who suffered for 10 years," he said.

"No matter what people say about the Minister or the Fiji Police Force, I am grateful they remained patient despite the delayed opening of the Labasa sugar mill and continued guarding my farm."

Divisional Police Commander North Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka said collaboration was essential in supporting communities.

"While we appreciate the sentiments of support, we recognise the need to remain consistent and maintain positive relationships with all our communities," SSP Baledrokadroka said.