Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh is urging farmers to look after their farms after a sugarcane farmer from Seaqaqa raised concern that his farm was destroyed by fire in six separate incidents.
While responding to questions from fijivillage News, the Minister says he cannot personally do anything when crops are damaged.
Singh says it is the responsibility of the farmer to ensure their crops are protected.
He adds that in such incidents, the farmer must work with the police to achieve a successful outcome, and it is not his role to push the authorities to do their jobs.
Meanwhile, the Seaqaqa farmer, Sheikh Tabish Ali of Vunivere settlement says he wants increased police patrols in the area to prevent such incidents.
He noted that this is a critical period for sugarcane farmers, as the crushing season has yet to begin.
The matter is currently being investigated by Seaqaqa Police.
