MPs Raise Cane Payment, Youth Participation and Idle Land Concerns

Concerns over cane farmer payments, youth involvement in cane cutting and large areas of idle land in the Western Division have been raised before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Economic Affairs.

The issues were highlighted as the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry appeared before the committee to make submissions on the Ministry of Sugar Industry’s 2021–2022 Annual Report.

Permanent Secretary Dr Andrew Tukana led the Ministry’s delegation during the hearing.

Committee member Premila Kumar said that during the committee’s visits to cane-growing communities, many farmers raised concerns about not fully understanding the cane payment system.

She urged Ministry officials to ensure farmers clearly understood how the system worked, given that they were the direct beneficiaries.

Alipate Tuicolo questioned whether the Ministry had engaged with the Ministry of Youth to explore opportunities for young people to become involved in cane-cutting work.

Meanwhile, Semi Koroilavesau raised concerns about large areas of idle land observed during the committee’s visits to the Western Division.

He suggested the Ministry work with the iTaukei Land Trust Board and landowners to explore opportunities to bring idle land into productive use, including for agriculture.

Responding to the concerns, Dr Tukana assured the committee that the issues raised were being attended to.

He said the Ministry would continue working with relevant stakeholders to support cane farmers and strengthen the sugar industry.