The National Farmers Union has accused the Fiji Sugar Corporation of delaying the milling of cane at the Rarawai Mill by keeping the mill shut in the weekend.
NFU General Secretary, Mahendra Chaudhry says FSC should have taken advantage of the favourable weather following the Christmas holidays, which allowed for harvesting and a good supply of cane.
He says there were more than 60 lorries at the mill in the morning, but drivers were told to park their vehicles and return this morning.
Chaudhry says FSC is aware that an emergency exists regarding the harvesting and milling of cane in the Ra, Tavua and Ba areas.
He says the situation arose following the shutdown of the Rarawai Mill for almost three months due to fire damage.
The General Secretary stresses that more than 100,000 tonnes of cane still remain to be milled and time is running out.
He claims that FSC is playing games with farmers while the Sugar Ministry and the government-appointed Sugar Cane Growers Council look on.
He says farmers are being betrayed and that it appears unlikely the government’s promise that every stick of cane will be crushed will be fulfilled.
Chaudhry says farmers have worked hard throughout the year, but many now risk losing a full year’s effort and expense if their cane is left standing when the mill closes for the season.
He adds that farmers must unite to protect themselves from exploitation.
The Ministry of Sugar says that the Permanent Secretary, Dr Vinesh Kumar held a meeting with the FSC CEO, Bhan Singh, the General Manager, and the Cane Logistics Manager.
He also met with lorry operators as well as some farmers.
The Ministry says it is aware of the situation and will be issuing an official statement soon.
