A Volivoli, Rakiraki farmer who has lost 150 tonnes of cane in a fire and was not able to transport it to the Lautoka Mill because of Fiji Sugar Corporation's one quota in five days system will not be assisted by the Ministry of Sugar Industry.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Prabha Karan says he was unable to deliver the cane within the 7-day rule, yet the FSC Field Officer formally rejected the crop on the ninth day.
Karan says he was expected to get about $5,000 after deductions but he will not get anything this time.
He says farming is his only source of income and he was relying on the payment to prepare for his daughter's wedding later this month.
Karan says he has a debt of $15,000 to pay off and prepare for the next season but he will not be able to do it this year.
The distraught farmer says FSC's broken rule has resulted in him losing all his income and is seeking assistance.
Karan says it was not his fault that his farm burnt down but the FSC should have facilitated in the delivery of the cane.
While speaking to fijivillage News, Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh says every farmer has to make the effort to make things happen and deliver the cane.
He says there are about 10,000 and they need to get things done themselves.
He says if farmers want to grow sugarcane, they need to put in their own effort and deliver to the mill.
While raising concerns, Opposition MP Viam Pillay asks why are we tolerating a system that actively destroys the lives of our farmers.
He says the financial loss for Karan is critical; he is on a loan and urgently needs this income for his daughter’s wedding at the end of November.
He claims other burnt cane in the community has allegedly been allowed up to 20 days for delivery, while Karan was blocked at day nine.
He says this proves the rules are being applied arbitrarily and is urging all other such farmers experiencing quota-related delays and losses to report their cases immediately to the Sugar Cane Growers Council.
On behalf of the Opposition and all struggling cane farmers, they demand full compensation for all losses, end double standards and accountability.
Pillay says the time for excuses is over and if the FSC cannot manage the logistics, the government must protect its farmers from financial ruin.
While responding to Pillay, Singh says he does not want any politics in the sugar industry.
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