Fertiliser supply a problem for farmers
Written By : KAILASH RAO . Sugar cane farmers in the North are still facing a major problem after a delay in the supply of fertiliser.
Fiji Cane Growers Association chief executive officer Mohammed Rafiq said the farmers experienced the same problem last year when some farmers did not receive their quotas during the season. Mr Rafiq said it was one of the reasons production could decrease in 2008.
“This year we thought the farmers’ grievances would be heard and the FSC and SPF would give some attention but it seems they are least bothered,” he said
Mr Rafiq said if there was no sugar cane on the farms, then there will no stakeholders such as the FSC. “That is why they should seriously think about and assist the farmers if not on the farms, at least by supplying their commodities on time,’’ he said. “The prices of weedicides have also gone up and the farmers cannot afford these,’’ he said
“Do we have to tell them to subsidise them or can they do something themselves to overcome this problem.
“The FCGA is very much concerned and would like the FSC to come up with positive answers immediately in regards to supply of fertiliser to farmers in time. We need action and not lip service if we want to make this industry survive.”
SPF general manager Bhoo Prasad Gutam said it was not true gross that fertilisers were not supplied last year.
Mr Gutam said there was no order placed last year for the fertilizer and the normal deliveries had been going on until today.
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