MORE than 3000 cane farms in Ba were destroyed by last month's floods in the Moto, Balebelo, Tabataba, Waikubukubu and nearby areas.
Ba advisery councillor Viam Pillay said cane farmers in the area had been hit hard by the devastation which had resulted in job losses for thousands of labourers.
He said most farms were filled with debris and silt making it difficult for farmers to replant cane.
"The farmers are really struggling to recover," said Mr Pillay.
"More than 3000 farms were destroyed and this will in a way affect this year's production and also the livelihood of the farming community here.
"Apart from the damage, most labourers who depend heavily on sugarcane for survival are now without jobs and are really concerned about the welfare of their families.
"Luckily for some of these families, they are surviving on food rations."
Mr Pillay said some farmers needed government assistance to clear debris.
Sole breadwinner Tevita Seletini, 38, of Talaiya said his seven-acre farm was destroyed, and he's concerned about the welfare of his four schoolchildren.
He said he wanted to start with the replanting but needed assistance to clear tree branches and other debris.
Mr Seletini also requested for the dredging of the Moto River which he said was vulnerable to flooding.
"My family depends on me for survival and education," he said.
"This cane farm has been supporting my family for the past years and I am pleading for assistance in the clearing of the debris."