$650 per acre relief package for burnt sugarcane farms – Minister for Sugar

Sugarcane farmers who have been affected by off-season fires will be given a one-off rehabilitation package of $650 per acre of sugarcane destroyed.

The Minister for Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh revealed this while officiating at the 2025 Annual Farmers Day at Katonivere Grounds in Labasa.

He says the issue was discussed in detail during the recent Project Steering Committee meeting on Thursday, 12th June, focusing on the impact of arson and accidental cane burning. Singh says the damage this year is worse than in previous seasons, with nearly 170 acres of cane farms burnt, which is equal to about 4,950 tonnes of cane.

He says although there are no funds set aside to cover the losses, the Government has approved a one-time support package for all affected farmers.

Singh adds assessments are ongoing, and funds will be released in the coming days.

He emphasized that this does not mean the Government supports off-season burning, but that all burning cases should be investigated and those responsible should face the law.

The Minister has also called out the staff and management of the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) for harassing farmers.

He says the Government has provided significant incentives to the Ministry to promote and ensure that the tonnage of sugar, currently about 1.3 million tonnes, is increased by 200,000 tonnes annually.

He says that the sugar industry is going through a very difficult time, and while efforts are being made to promote farming and bring farmers back to the land, the staff and management of the TLTB are sending the wrong message to farmers.

He says they are telling farmers that their leases will not be renewed.

Singh has issued a stern warning to the staff to stop this immediately, as the Government’s policy is to increase cane farming.

He adds if anyone is found using dishonest practices against farmers, he will raise the matter directly with the Prime Minister.

He says the Government is committed to helping farmers during hard times and stressed the importance of honesty and good practices in the sugar industry.