Good news for 3,360 cane farmers in Vanua Levu whose farms were affected by Tropical Cyclone Yasa, as the government has approved a Crop Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan worth more than $4 million.
The plan will be funded from the Ministry of Sugar Industry’s 2020-2021 approved budget.
Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister and Sugar Industry, Yogesh Karan says five activities will be done under this plan which includes the supply of 34,236 bags of Blend C fertilizers, 26,104 litres of Amine, 26,104 kg of Diuron (Die-ron) weedicide and the provision 50 hectares of land to assist farmers with slashing damaged crops.
Karan says also part of the plan is the drainage works for 195,213 metres of in-field drainage and the replanting of crops will be done in two stages.
He says under the replanting activity, the first stage will begin from next month till October and the second stage will be from August till October.
Farmers will be required to arrange for their quality seed cane and provide for other inputs.
Karan adds damages will be verified first by the Fiji Sugar Corporation and the Sugarcane Growers Council before any assistance is provided.
The Permanent Secretary has also requested the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure that timely assistance is provided to sugarcane farmers.
He says FSC is carrying out assessments in the West to ascertain the damages caused by TC Ana.
Karan says following the assessments they will then decide on the type of assistance to be provided to the farmers in the Western Division.
He adds government remains resolute in supporting the revitalization of the Sugar Industry with creative solutions, from technology transfers to debt relief and the provision of more efficient and sustainable equipment.
