𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐧𝐞-𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟-𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, today announced a one-off rehabilitation package for farmers affected by off-season sugarcane fires.

While officiating at the 2025 Annual Farmers Day at Kotonivere Grounds in Labasa today, Minister Singh revealed that the matter was addressed during the recent Project Steering Committee meeting held on Thursday 12th June, where the impact of arson and accidental cane burning was discussed in detail.

“Unfortunately, the damage this year has been greater than in past seasons. Nearly 170 acres of cane farms have been burnt, which is approximately 4,950 tonnes of cane,” he said.

He noted that while there are currently no allocated funds to compensate for the losses, the Government has approved a one-off rehabilitation package of $650 per acre for all affected farmers.

“Assessments are ongoing, and funds will be released in the coming days. This does not mean that we encourage off-season burning, but we want all burning incidences to be investigated and those involved to be dealt with as per the law.” Said Minister Singh

The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting farmers in times of hardship and emphasized the need for accountability and responsible practices within the sugar industry.