Farm advisers of the Fiji Sugar Corporation should do their work and “stop eating chicken curry at farmers’ homes”.
Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh made this comment in Nadi on Sunday. He said a directive had been issued to FSC to re-introduce farm advisers and soil doctors in the industry.
“They can go to the farmers, sit down with them and advise and give the farmers the hope,” said Mr Singh.
“Not that they go, eat chicken at the farmer’s house and return.
“I am from Labasa and I have seen what farm advisers have been doing.
“All this has to stop, they have to be very serious.
“They are getting paid and the responsibility they have been given, they will need to deliver. And we will monitor them.”
Mr Singh said he had a genuine desire to help farmers.
“I want to hear the problems of the farmers and I have taken this responsibility with seriousness.
“With these visits I am identifying the bottlenecks that can be addressed immediately.
“I saw the ship was sinking and couldn’t be a bystander. That’s why I am here to help and assist.”
