AT Vunikavikaloa in Ra, one can still find a group of farmers engaged in cane farming and they cite it as their primary source of income.
One of the few remaining farmers in the area is 72-year-old John Chandra, who first moved to the area 60 years ago, when his parents separated.
“I moved here with my mother after my parents separated and my mother bought this land,” Mr Chandra said.
“I am an only child so I took over the farm,” he said.
The father-of-three lives with his son, daughter-in-law and three granddaughters.
He has a 12-acre farm of which about five acres is used for cane farming.
In 2015 he harvested 249 tonnes and 55 tonnes in 2016 for which he received $589.
Labour shortage is the biggest issue for him, as well as the demands by labourers.
While he feels the $10 million bailout will help clear some financial burden, he didn’t feel the same about the mill closure.
“It will be hard on some families because it was easier for us when the mill was closer.
“Right now we spend about $14 to $15 to get the sugar to Rarawai so don’t know what will happen if the mill stops or something similar happens.”
He called for a change in the cane payment system.
“I believe it should be done lump-sum because farmers face difficulties while they wait and borrow.”
His bus driver son helps with the family’s everyday living expenses.
