Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Karl Samuda.
In an effort to stem the significant loss in income resulting from the burning of approximately 1,001 hectares of sugar cane since the start of 2017, Government will be launching a public education campaign aimed at highlighting the importance of protecting the sugar cane industry.
Speaking at a meeting with CEO of Pan Caribbean Sugar Company Liu Chaoyu and farmers at the Frome Sugar Company in Westmoreland on January 12, Minister of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, the Hon Karl Samuda, lamented the fact that to date there has been 169 illicit fires resulting in an over $600-m loss in earnings.
Government, he said, was willing to give the best support to the industry that is financially possible and encouraged the farmers to be vigilant and safeguard their own interest and protect their crops.
“I am appealing to those who are minded to continue with this illicit act to cease because you are not hurting the factory as much as you are hurting the livelihood of humble people, many of whom depend on being able to reap their crops, collect their money, pay their debts and provide for their families,” said Minister Samuda.
Noting that the sugar industry was expecting record yields and record crops this year because of the efforts of the farmers and the good rainfall being experienced, the agriculture minister called on the perpetrators to cut out the illicit burning of cane as it puts the entire industry at risk.
He noted, however, that despite the difficulties being faced, “these actions will not succeed in breaking our will to succeed.”
Among other initiatives to be pursued by the Government is the use of drone technology to assist in identification of location of fires, as well as community outreach with support from the councillors who pledged to play their part in the communities by engaging with residents.
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