Sigatoka Valley canefarmers are switching to the new green gold tobacco. A grower in Nadrala, Sigatoka, who earned $8000 in four months last year planting for British American Tobacco, said there were many positives in making the switch.
“I have 18 acres of land which is expiring in two years’ time, so I thought I better make the best use of it,” said Mun Reddy.
He said he had tried his best to be in canefarming but because of escalating costs, he continuously incurred losses.
“High transport, labour problems, burning and then land rent some farmers have paid half of their rent and some haven’t because land rent has gone up.
“I could see there is no more profit in cane unless there is some permanent solution to the road issue, rail system, carting and other factors.
“Farmers will continue to face problems and that is why I have made up my mind to go into tobacco farming.
“I have earned $8000 in only four months from tobacco, I can see profit and because of this, other farmers want to engage in tobacco farming.”
Log Nathan Naicker, 45, a farmer in Nadrala, Sigatoka, said tobacco farming had never crossed his mind because of the proud legacy of canefarming in his family.
“Cane was the green gold, from my grandparents to my parents and now to me, our loyalty has been cane but what can we do when costs go up and our earnings don’t,” he said.
“I left school when I was in Class 8 to take up canefarming with my parents.
