A NUMBER of Rakiraki canefarmers have said they changed allegiance from being Fiji Labour Party to FijiFirst supporters.

The farmers who were present at a public consultation forum between canefarmers and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama at Rakiraki yesterday said they believed a majority of farmers shared their views.

Shalendra Kumar, whose family has been farming for the past three generations, said they had seen the difference.

“I am from Wailevu and many farmers there support Mr Bainimarama,” he said.

“It’s because we have seen what he has done. We as farmers are happy. He has given us his assurance and whatever he has promised us, he has delivered.”

Dharmendra Prasad from Nanuku shared similar sentiments, saying he and his family were thankful about how their plight was dealt with after Severe TC Winston.

“That was the turning point for me,” he said.

Rameshwar Prasad of Naiyalayala said he was thankful for the many things already done by the Government.

“All farmers were known to be supporters of the Fiji Labour Party, but that’s changing now,” he said. “It’s not just because of what they are doing for the sugar industry, but because of what they have done for everybody. There are a lot of incentives put in place that has made us all happy.”

Farmers who spoke to The Fiji Times said it took some time for them to change allegiance. However, they said they were finally being treated with respect and honesty.