Dear Editor,
During the beginning of the week I noticed that Mr CN Sharma was casting doubts on the progress within the agriculture sector. While I am sure the Ministry of Agriculture is open to criticism and constructive suggestions, Mr Sharma’s programme does not reflect the vast progress being made in this area.

Recently, he visited San Souci, Canal Number One where he alleged that farmers’ cane had been  destroyed by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Little did he know that the very same farmers affected had been served adequate notice and had been apprised of plans to develop drainage and irrigation networks within Canals Polder One and Two. I proudly say that I am one of the many farmers who stand to benefit from the works currently being undertaken, despite the fact that I lost a few fruit trees. Sometimes we have to give a little to gain a lot more.

Mr Sharma was misled by a farmer which resulted in him misrepresenting the matter where a few cane stocks were bulldozed to facilitate the rehabilitation of the drainage and irrigation system which farmers themselves were clamouring for.

Our farmers need to respect that government reserves have to be clear and not squat on the land by planting and then crying foul when the area is flooded, or when necessary works have to be undertaken to improve the service to the same farmers.
Yours faithfully,
Suraj Singh