A farmer from Yalava, Tabia in Labasa is calling on the Sugar Ministry to order a full investigation after a fire destroyed more than 200 tonnes of sugarcane on his farm.
Abdul Gafur says he was at the mosque on Friday when his wife alerted him about the fire.
He says he attempted to control the fire, however, the fire caused significant damage.
The 69-year-old says this is the first time something like this has happened, not just on his farm, but in their entire community.
He expressed concern that if such incidents continue, many farmers may be discouraged from continuing in the industry, as they work hard to produce sugarcane.
Gafur says the Seaqaqa Police attended to the scene and took his statement as their investigation continues.
Meanwhile, Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh has earlier said that they cannot personally do anything when crops are damaged and farmers must protect their crops.
