THE sugarcane crushing season is starting to encounter problems, with reports of widespread crop damage because of off-season fires.
Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh said nearly 170 acres of sugarcane farms — about 4950 tonnes of cane — have been destroyed by a mix of arson and accidental burning.
Mr Singh said the damage this year was worse than the past seasons.
“Unfortunately, the damage this year has been greater than in previous seasons,” he said.
Although there are no funds available to directly compensate affected farmers, he said there was a rehabilitation package of $650 per acre.
He said assessments were ongoing and that payments would be released in the coming days.
He said the Government did not encourage off-season burning and warned that all incidents would be investigated.
“We want all burning incidents to be investigated and those involved to be dealt with according to the law.”
