Sugarcane farmers in Nadi are hopeful that they will have a better future in the sugar industry now, after the first Sugar Industry stakeholders meeting yesterday.

Chairman for the meeting Commissioner Western, Joeli Cawaki told Fijivillage that about twenty issues were identified and farmers agreed that the way forward for the industry was through consultation.

Cawaki said much focus was on acquiring more land for sugarcane farming and attracting more farmers to increase sugar production.

He adds issues were well received by the Native Land Trust Board, Fiji Development Bank, Fiji Sugar Corporation, Sugar Cane Growers Fund and District Officials.

Cane farmers urged the government to consider having a separate Minister only for the sugar industry so that the Minister can solely focus on the sugar industry.

Some other issues raised by the farmers include, land issues as land still lies idle due to the expiry of leases, milling problems, setting up an enquiry on the $85 million loan taken from India for the industry, burnt cane penalty not to be charged when mills break down, farming assistance scheme, cane access roads and growers council levy.

Representatives from the Sugar ministry assured the farmers that they will take their grievances and requests to Sugar Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama who will make the final decision.

More than 300 sugarcane farmers attended the meeting at Nadi Civic Center.

Stakeholders have agreed to organise a National Sugar Symposium however a date and venue is yet to be set as the Rarawai Mill is still crushing cane. It is believed that the meeting may be held next month.