𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗲: 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, visited the farm of Mr. Chench Reddy, a sugarcane farmer from Waiqele Labasa who recently lost his crop to fire.

During the visit, Minister Hon. Singh reassured to all affected sugarcane farmers that the Government will provide a rehabilitation package of $650 per acre for sugarcane destroyed by fire before the commencement of the 2025 crushing season.

“Every sugarcane farm destroyed before the mill starts will be compensated with $650 per acre.

A farmer works very hard throughout the year and invests a lot in their farms. When burning happens, they lose everything. If you have jealousy against anyone, please don’t burn their sugarcane. Please stop burning cane.” He said.

Minister Singh made a strong appeal to farmers and communities to act responsibly and help protect the sugar industry from further loss due to arson or carelessness. He also acknowledged the Fiji Police Force for their support and urged farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

He said burning of sugarcane is a serious offence, and if caught, a serious action will be taken.

“Let me be clear—I am not promoting any farmer to burn their cane. Only fires that occur before the mill starts crushing will be eligible for compensation. Any cane burnt after the mill begins operations will not be covered under this rehabilitation fund.” Said Minister Singh.

Mr. Reddy, who cultivates over 600 tonnes of cane annually, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the Government’s immediate support.

“This is the first time any government and a Minister have visited my farm, especially in this difficult time. The Minister helped me remove the burnt cane and replant it. I had lost hope, but this assistance has encouraged me to continue farming.” He said.