National Federation Party Leader and former Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad is raising concerns over delayed cane payments, and is urging Minister for Agriculture, Fiji Sugar Corporations and stakeholders to ensure farmers receive reasonable third cane payment.
While responding to questions from fijivillage News, Professor Prasad says he is very disappointed with how the third cane payment has been handled.
He says unsold sugar is one of the key reasons farmers are not receiving their third payment and the onus is on the Fiji Sugar Corporation to better plan and manage its marketing and sales.
HINDI INSERT: Prof Prasad on strategy 1st Apr
He says FSC needs to strategize on the timelines when this sugar can be sold and diversify the markets where they are selling the sugar.
He adds that these issues should not have been left to the last minute and should have been properly planned with Government so farmers could have received their payments.
Professor Prasad says farmers need to receive a reasonable payment to prepare for the next season.
INSERT: Prof Prasad on cane payment 1st Apr
When questioned on whether he thinks there is still a market for Fiji sugar overseas, Professor Prasad says that there are still markets available and there are ways to ensure that our sugar industry survives.
He says we are a small producer and need good planning and strategy by FSC and those involved in the industry to look for markets.
He adds that Government support for farmers over the past three years has been critical, where they ensured that farmers were supported through subsidies and fertiliser.
He says a large number of people still depend on the sugar industry directly and indirectly.
Professor Prasad is now calling on FSC and the Ministry of Sugar to provide clear plans for the future of the industry.
He says he will be raising the issue with the Prime Minister next week if the matter is not sorted out.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Agriculture, Tomasi Tunabuna says he has requested a meeting with relevant stakeholders, which will be held tomorrow, where this matter, along with other matters related to the industry will be discussed.
