Farmers Urged to Use Money Wisely

Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive officer Vimal Dutt is advising sugarcane farmers to use their hard earned money wisely.

His advice came after the announcement of the fourth cane payment of $17.03 per tonne to be released today and the special one-off payment of $5 per tonne, fully funded by the Government paid out before May 30.

He thanked Government for the timely support given to the farmers because many have begun with the preparation of the 2025 crushing season.

“The release of fourth cane payment has come too early than the usual timeframe and I urge farmers to use money wisely,” Mr Dutt said.

“Planning and budgeting are very important and farmers need to start working on it to avoid any short comings.”

“Government’s additional support, is over and above the guaranteed price.

“I would like to encourage farmers to never give up hope and I thank them for their contribution over the years towards the sugar industry.

“I am optimistic for a better season this year and hope farmers make use of whenever good weather is available to harvest their cane.”

Rajesh Kumar, a sugarcane farmer at Tovata, Labasa on May 21, 2025. Photo: Shratika Naidu

Rajesh Kumar of Tovata, Labasa said whatever payment given this month will not be enough.

“The cost of living is really high and even with the early payment I won’t be able to cover all the expenses of running the farming business,” Mr Kumar said.

“Some of us who are unable to get sugarcane labourers will have to set aside money to hire a mechanical harvester to harvest cane.”

The father of three who started farming from a young age supplies about 200 tonnes of cane to Labasa Mill from his 10-acre farm.

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