The Special Committee on the Sugar Industry has taken a series of urgent measures, including increasing payments for manual sugar cane harvesters from $3 to $5 per tonne, as it moves to address key challenges facing the sector.
The Committee, which is chaired by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, met on Friday at the Parliament Complex where members described restoring confidence among farmers as a serious priority for the industry’s stability in the short and long term.
Members include Minister for Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Parliament Professor Biman Prasad, Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu, a member designated by the Opposition Leader, and Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua.
The Committee also noted an assurance from National Farmers Union General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhry that “cane farmers are not on strike”, with cane crushing continuing in the Western and Northern Divisions.
However, members stressed that clear and consistent communication of Government assistance to farmers remains critical to avoid further uncertainty in the sector.
As part of immediate interventions, the Committee agreed to increase support for manual harvesters, saying the revised $5 per tonne payment recognises the contribution of workers whose efforts often go unacknowledged.
Security concerns in cane farming areas were also raised, with some farmers reportedly fearing backlash over harvesting their crops.
The Committee says it will work with the Ministry of Policing for the Fiji Police to conduct regular patrols in the cane belt to protect cane farms.
The Committee will also undertake visits to the Western Division on 8th and 9th July to meet farmers, millers and other stakeholders directly and hear their concerns.
It says the visits will be used to gather feedback on how the industry can be strengthened and made more sustainable.
The Committee says it remains focused on longer-term reforms and the diversification of the sugar industry, while appreciating the cooperation of all stakeholders.
