MILITARY and security patrols should be deployed in vulnerable farming areas to deter the unlawful burning of sugarcane fields, says Fiji Cane Lorry Association president Atish Kumar.
Speaking during the Sugar Industry Stakeholders consultation in Ba this week, Mr Kumar said farmers continued to suffer major financial losses from off-season and unnecessary cane fires.
“There have been serious concerns regarding off-season burning and unnecessary burning of sugarcane fields,” he said.
“Such incidents continue to result in devastating losses to farmers.”
Mr Kumar said about 350 tonnes of sugarcane were recently destroyed by fire in Nailaga, Ba, causing significant losses to growers. Similar incidents, he said, had also been reported in Veisaru, Vaqai and Rarawai.
“These acts have had severe economic consequences on hardworking farmers.”
He added that farmers were unfairly penalised last year for burnt cane and incidents involving Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) mills.
“Farmers strongly feel that these events occurred through no fault of their own and respectfully request a review or reimbursement of these penalties.”
Mr Kumar also called on FSC to honour previously announced incentive payments of $5 per tonne for increased cane production and $3 per tonne for manual harvesting.
Additional concerns raised included inadequate fire hydrants, poor sanitation facilities, insufficient security during mill breakdowns and ongoing operational challenges affecting farmers and lorry operators.
