Bala urges farmers to harvest after PM guarantees $85 minimum cane price

Opposition Member of Parliament Parveen Bala has urged sugarcane farmers in Rakiraki to begin harvesting following the Prime Minister’s assurance that the recently announced $85 per tonne sugarcane price is a guaranteed minimum.

Mr Bala made the plea during the Sugar Industry Tour of Cane Belt Areas held at the GCR Hall in Rakiraki yesterday.

Mr Bala is a member of the Special Sugar Industry Committee chaired by the PM.

The meeting featured extensive discussions between farmers, the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), and members of the committee, with concerns raised over cane pricing, production efficiency, and industry sustainability.

“The Prime Minister has made it very clear to everyone present that the $85 announced is a minimum. You have come here seeking assurance so you can start harvesting,” Mr Bala said.

He said several technical issues raised by farmers required answers from FSC, and would be addressed by the committee.

One of the key concerns discussed was why 13 tonnes of sugarcane could only produce one ton of sugar.

“FSC will have to tell us. They will have to assist the committee so that we can come up with resolutions and solutions.”

Mr Bala stressed that FSC’s technical input and transparency would be essential in helping the committee develop recommendations to improve the industry’s efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Speaking in Hindi to farmers, Mr Bala reiterated that the committee’s role was to listen to stakeholders before making recommendations. He referred to a document presented by farmer representative and former government minister George Shiu Raj, which estimated production costs at about $75 per tonne.

“The main reason the committee has come here is to listen to you and take your concerns back so that together we can move this industry forward,” he said.