State tackles fertiliser woes

THE interim Government believes all stakeholders in the sugar industry should get together to address the fertiliser issue.

Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office Parmesh Chand said the interim Government would like to hear proposals on how best the fertiliser issue could be tackled.

"Timely and cost-effective availability of fertiliser is a prime concern of the Government when it comes to revitalising the sugar industry," he said.

Mr Chand said it was not the business of the interim Government to salvage South Pacific Fertilizer Company Limited.

But they were concerned with its product, fertiliser.

"It is an important ingredient not only in the sugar industry but farming as a whole," he said.

"We are waiting for substantive proposals to scrutinise and consult on before it was taken to Cabinet.

"We would like to hear proposals from the industry on how best this situation can be collectively addressed."

Mr Chand said the issue needed to be addressed quickly since the replanting season would begin by April.

He said they were still waiting for development partners on how best they could assist with fertiliser needs, particularly in light of rehabilitation efforts after the recent floods.
source: fijitimes