A SUGARCANE farmer of Waimalika in Nadi claims he has lost about 200 tonnes of cane as a result of saltwater intrusion.
Michael Scott, 71, said salt water had entered through the floodgates and spilled over into his 12-acre farm.
He said sea water has been seeping into his farm since January because of blocked farm drains.
“The sea water comes through the floodgates,” he said.
“I spoke to Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh. He asked where I was in the last 16 years and why I did not tell the previous administration what you are telling me.
“I told him that for the last 35 years, I was in Canada, and for the past two years I have been working on my farm.
“It has gotten worse. I want to plough the land before going to Canada next month.”
Mr Scott said he was unable to plant any sugarcane because of the saltwater damaging his farm.
“I can’t grow anything on my farm.
“I’ve already spent $20,000 on my farm and I’m paying $700 yearly for this crown land.
“The Ministry of Waterways will have to fix the floodgate.”
