European Union delegates Xavier Canton-Lamousse (left) and Jean-Christophe Virieu (second from right) with Jai Chandra and his family. PHOTO EUROPEAN UNION COORDINATION UNIT LAUTOKA
By SHEIK DEAN
Jai Chandra is back growing crops from a new home as part of a project to help canefarmers affected by changes in the industry.
Mr Chandra, who has been working as a farm labourer, and his family have been relocated to his uncle’s sugarcane farm. This is a few kilometres from his ancestral farm in Votualevu, Nadi.
There he is growing complimentary crops including pineapple, eggplants, cassava, dalo, long bean, and chillies to help earn income for his family.
Mr Chandra was extremely grateful to the European Union (EU) for supporting building him a new house through Habitat for Humanity Fiji (HFHF).
Mr Chandra was presented with his new home by visiting European Union delegates from Brussels.
“I thank the EU for providing my family shelter after my ancestral land lease expired a few years ago,” said Mr Chandra.
European Union administrator for geographical coordination and supervision for Asia and the Pacific Jean-Christophe Virieu said it is committed to help farmers rebuild their lives.
“The restructuring of sugar industry has affected a lot of farmers and the EU is glad to provide a helping hand to alleviate poverty,” he said.
Director Habitat for Humanity Fiji Masi Latianara said this house is one of the 60 to be built for farmers who have been affected.
“We have a very careful vetting process where-by farmers are identified who are facing financial constraints and have no means of shelter,” added Mr Latianara.
Mr Chandra, his wife, daughter and mother are now proudly living in their new home. And he is back doing what he does best, growing on the land.