The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry is preparing to launch a toll-free helpline to support sugarcane farmers, aiming to respond to their concerns more efficiently and quickly, reports The Fiji Times.
Permanent Secretary Dr Vinesh Kumar confirmed that the helpline would be operational within two weeks. He said the initiative is part of wider efforts to improve how services are delivered across the sugar industry.
“We need to remember that every stalk of sugarcane matters, and so does every farmer,” Dr Kumar said, stressing the need to treat all farmers’ concerns with equal importance.
Dr Kumar acknowledged a major hurdle within the industry: the lack of unified teamwork among the various institutions involved.
“At present, our operations in the sugar sector are scattered. We’re not working together as a team,” he said.
He pointed out that farmers are often caught in bureaucratic loops when seeking help, being referred from one agency to another.
“For instance, if a farmer has an issue with the growers’ fund and approaches the Ministry of Sugar, they may end up being sent from one office to another. That shouldn’t be happening,” he said.
With the new helpline, the ministry will serve as a single point of contact for farmers. When a farmer calls, the issue will be recorded and directed to the relevant institution, along with a clear deadline for action.
“The idea is for every institution to cooperate better. It’s not about stepping on each other’s toes but working together,” Dr Kumar said.
He added that while not all problems could be solved immediately, the aim is to ensure farmers receive a response within a set period—ideally within 24 hours.
“Some matters may take longer to resolve or fall outside the institution’s authority,” he noted. “But no matter what, farmers deserve honest and clear answers.”
Dr Kumar reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to listening to farmers and providing them with more effective support.
