By JYOTI PRATIBHA
The Commissioner Western’s office is also seriously looking into sugar cane burning cases as the four mills prepare for crushing in the coming weeks.
So far this year, 22 farms have been burnt around the country.
Out of this, 11 cases were confirmed arson.
As a result of these fires, 853 tonnes of sugar cane have reportedly been burnt.
A joint meeting was held with sugar industry stakeholders and the security services- military and police yesterday.
This comes as a directive from the Sugar Minister, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama to find a solution to cane burning was discussed.
Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki said there was to be increased patrolling of cane farms in the Western Division.
He said that pocket meetings would be held with cane farmers in the West to discuss the issue of cane burning.
Also highlighted during such pocket meetings would be avenues of compensation that the Sugar ministry was working on, for those farmers whose farms had been deliberately burnt.
Vigilance a key factor
Commissioner Cawaki said these farmers had lost their source of income and perpetrators would be taken to task.
Commander Cawaki said people also needed to be vigilant.
“We have come across these cases and are seriously looking into it,” Commander Cawaki said.
“As for compensation, it would be for the Permanent Secretary (Lt-Col Manasa Vaniqi) to decide, but no stones would be left unturned in ensuring farmers are not targeted.”
Pocket meetings between police, military officers and farmers would be taking place from next week around the Western Division.