WILD horses have added to the list of issues faced by farmers in the interior of Votualevu Holika Rd, Nadi.
Animal invasion has forced some farmers to reduce area under cane because of the damage caused.
Prominent grower, Vijendra Aadhar, said farmers had alerted the Agriculture Ministry but nothing was done.
“They came over but there were no wild horses on that day so we learnt to live with it,” the 72-year-old said.
He has 93 acres of land, 62 acres of which was for cane farming. Over the past 15 years, this has reduced further to 20 acres.
“This is a goldmine for sugar cane. I used to harvest more than 1000 tonnes before tropical cyclones Eric and Nigel but because of this animal problem, supply has dropped.”
Last year, he harvested 296 tonnes and 600 tonnes in 2015. The forecast for his farm this year is 450 tonnes. On top of harvesting costs, he also pays $3000 in land rent each year.
“I think it all comes to cane price. I think it was in 1987 that the cane price went up to $75.”
He and four other farmers are part of Votualevu Gang 69, which once harvested 3000 tonnes of cane. Today, they struggle to reach 1000 tonnes.
“I think the cane planting grant is good but if they increase the cane price, then people will plant cane on their own.”
“We all depend on this industry. In my opinion, the sugar industry needs to continue. Government needs to provide more subsidies on items like fertiliser and idle land should be put to good use.”
