Rarawai farmer Arvind Singh has welcomed the Government’s response to concerns raised by farmers, following the recent announcement of a $5million fuel rebate.
Speaking yesterday, Mr Singh said farmers were satisfied with the subsidy, which would help offset rising fuel costs for cartage and mechanical harvesting.
“That’s what we had wanted and we got it,” he said.
“We (farmers) are happy with the $5million that Government has announced the rebate for diesel. We should be ready to harvest sugarcane now.”
However, Mr Singh said farmers would continue to press the Government on other issues, including an increase in the forecast cane price from $85 to $110 per tonne.
“For other matters on the cane price and burnt cane penalty, we can keep on talking on that.
“But now I think the farmers should start with our harvesting.”
Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna said the fuel subsidy would apply from June 20 to August 31 as a temporary relief measure.
