Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh has called for stricter penalties, including jail time, for individuals responsible for setting sugarcane farms on fire. His remarks follow recent arson attacks and accidental fires that destroyed farms in several regions, including five in Labasa, six in Tavua, and three in Rakiraki, reports FBC News.
Singh expressed deep concern over the recurring issue of off-season burning of sugarcane, stressing that it has become a serious problem. He reported that nearly 170 acres of cane fields—equivalent to around 4,950 tons of cane—have been destroyed in the latest incidents, directly impacting farmers who lost their crops just before the start of the milling season.
“Farmers work hard all year to grow their crops, only for someone to come and set fire to the fields just before harvest. In many countries, this is treated as a criminal offense punishable by jail, and that’s how we must approach it here. If anyone is found guilty of burning cane farms, they should be sent straight to Vaturekuka,” Singh said, referring to the correctional facility in Labasa.
In response to the damage, Singh announced a one-time rehabilitation payment of $650 per acre for all affected farmers. He said the funds would be disbursed in the coming days to help farmers recover their losses.
However, Singh made it clear that the financial assistance should not be seen as a justification for or encouragement of offseason burning. He urged law enforcement to thoroughly investigate all cases and ensure those responsible are held accountable under the law.
