Sugarcane farmers in Seaqaqa are calling on the Government and the Fiji Sugar Corporation to increase the guaranteed cane price, raise delivery payments and provide fuel subsidies as rising costs and a reduced cane forecast make it increasingly difficult to harvest and transport cane to the mills.
A farmers' meeting was held in Vunivere, Seaqaqa and attended by growers from the areas of Tadravula, Tikina and Vunivere, where concerns were raised over the recently announced cane forecast.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Mohammed Adam says growers had been waiting for the forecast before deciding on their next steps and were disappointed to see it decline by about 20 percent compared with previous years.
HINDI INSERT: Seaqaqa farmers raise concerns 3rd June
Adam says farmers are now questioning whether they can afford to cut and transport their cane, particularly with diesel prices continuing to rise.
He says among the farmers' demands is an increase in the guaranteed cane price to $85 per tonne, an increase in the forecast price and an increase in the cane delivery payment from $42 to $52 per tonne.
He says they are also calling for additional fuel subsidies, with farmers requesting diesel at less than $3 per litre.
He says farmers previously benefited from lower diesel prices through FSC assistance and want similar support reinstated to help reduce production and transportation costs.
Adam stressed that the rising cost of fuel and lower forecast returns are placing significant financial pressure on growers.
When asked whether farmers would proceed with harvesting if their demands are not met, Adam says many farmers feel they may not be able to cut and transport their cane to the mills unless additional support is provided.
Meanwhile, in response to questions from fijivillage News, Minister for Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna says the forecast price is determined by international market conditions, including global sugar prices and raw sugar stock levels.
Tunabuna says current indications point to a surplus of raw sugar on the world market, which is contributing to lower prices.
He also clarified that the guaranteed cane price for the current season has not yet been announced.
He says that although the guaranteed price was previously set at $85 per tonne, growers ultimately received payments above that level.
Regarding calls for higher delivery payments, Tunabuna says the Government provides a top-up to help offset farmers' costs, while FSC is responsible for the main payment for sugarcane deliveries.
He highlighted existing support measures for the industry, including nearly $20 million in fertilizer subsidies last year, assistance with chemicals, cartage, machinery, harvester hire services and other programmes aimed at reducing production costs.
On fuel subsidies, Tunabuna says any decision must take into account the needs of farmers across all agricultural sectors, as producers of other crops are facing similar transport and fuel expenses.
INSERT: Tunabuna on assistance 5th June
