Farmers call for fuel subsidies to support cane cartage industry

National Farmers Union (NFU) president Surendra Lal is calling on the Government to wisely utilise the Australian government’s targeted budgetary support of AU$30 million (FJ$47.48m) and allocate reasonable assistance to the sugarcane transport industry.

Mr Lal said the fuel crisis would cripple sugarcane cartage providers, including lorry and tractor operators.

He said that while attention had been given to public service vehicle (PSV) operators such as bus services, cane transport providers also required fuel relief subsidies.

“Government should consider helping the very farmers who generate revenue for the economy through sugar sales,” he said.

Mr Lal said if the Australian funding were distributed to sugarcane transport providers, farmers would be in a better position to produce higher cane tonnage.

He said farmers were being left to deal with high fuel prices while other transport operators received assistance.

“Our farmers will struggle with the possibility of cartage trucks or tractors having to charge more,” he said.

He said alternative support measures should be explored, adding that farmers deserved stronger Government support initiatives.

Mr Lal said farmers needed to be encouraged to remain in the industry, and fuel cushioning support was vital ahead of this year’s crushing season.

He added that while other producers and suppliers received more immediate payments, farmers often had to wait for their income in instalments.

“Our farmers have to survive each day on a budget without any buffer income for their other activities,” he said.

Mr Lal said he hoped funds from Australian support would flow down to the sugarcane industry.

Feedback: sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj