Farmers in Navua believe if the cost of agricultural products such as weedicide continue to rise, then young farmers will be discouraged and they will lose interest in the agriculture sector.
Jyogesh Kumar, 47, of Vakabalea, said there should be incentives provided to the non-sugarcane farmers as well.
“The cost of weedicides and fertiliser have really gone high,” said Mr Kumar.
“If it continues to rise like this, then I believe our young people will lose interest in agriculture.
“The Government should think about the vegetable farmers as well.”
He said farmers who engaged in vegetable and root crop farming should be assisted as well.
“Sugarcane farmers are getting subsidy on fertiliser, how about us?
“The weedicide price has more than doubled and I am badly affected.”
Questions on the concerns of farmers sent to Minister for Agriculture Dr Mahendra Reddy remains unanswered.
