Third Cane Payment Not Enough for Growers
Opposition MP Viam Pillay says the $12.22/tonne third cane payment is too low, urging the government to provide a special, deduction-free payment to help farmers prepare for the crushing season. With rising costs and festivals ahead, farmers face challenges maintaining machinery, paying labourers, and stocking supplies. Pillay insists urgent intervention is needed to protect growers’ livelihoods.
Opposition Member of Parliament Viam Pillay says the third cane payment is not sufficient to meet growers’ costs as the crushing season approaches.
He raised the concern because sugarcane farmers complained that the third cane payment was low.
Mr Pillay said the payment of $12.22 per tonne was half of what farmers received for the same period last season.
“Many growers have contacted the Opposition Office in this regard,” he said.
Farmers were concerned about covering rising costs of preparation for cane harvesting.
These include getting their farm machineries maintained, down-payment to labourers, repair and maintenance of camps for cutters.
Farmers also need to stock up on food supplies while preparing for upcoming festivals.
Mr Pillay called on Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh to intervene immediately and provide a special payment before harvesting begins.
“For this season the Government must give a guaranteed price to allow farmers to mitigate the rising costs that will definitely never go down,” he said.
A special cane payment without deductions would boost growers’ ability to prepare for the crushing season.
“Any responsible Government would ensure that farmers’ livelihood is not compromised and marginalised,” he said.
“Special cane payment must be given immediately without any deductions.”
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Source : Fiji Sun
