Minister Singh Promises Good Cane Payment, Slams Politicians

The Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Charan Jeath Singh has assured sugarcane farmers that they will receive a fair and just payment for their yields.

Mr Singh’s comment follows outcries from sugarcane farmers and some politicians that the third cane payment of $12.22 per ton is low.

He said this payment was paid following the required Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and Ministry of Sugar Master Award.

“The 2024 crop payment process is not yet complete,” he said.

He said some politicians were politically motivated in creating a negative image of Government.

“My job as minister is not to be solely focused on one cane payment only,” he said.

Mr Singh said the $12.22 per ton paid out in the third payment was the same average paid for the past seven years which was $12.90.

This excluded the Government top-up, he said.

He said additional support for farmers would be provided to ensure they received fair return for their hard labour.

“Under the Coalition Government, we have consistently delivered the highest total sugarcane payments of $91.38 per ton for the 2022 crop season. In 2023, Government gave a record $105.08 per ton.”

Mr Singh called for patience to allow Government to provide additional financial support.

The FSC has fulfilled its legal obligations under the Master Award which stipulates the third payment is made from the balance of proceeds collected by February end.

Union

National Farmers Union (NFU) general secretary and former Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry claimed Government had won the votes from farmers, but failed to deliver its promise of paying sugarcane farmers well.

Mr Chaudhry called on Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad to honour their promises of increasing the minimum guaranteed price of sugarcane to $110 per ton as they promised in their election campaign.

Farmer perspective

Farmer Jagdish Sami of Vunivere, Seaqaqa was disappointed with the low payment.

Mr Sami said Government should help them get a fair price and payment so that they had money to cater for their families.

“Most of our money was deducted for loans and with this low price, our pockets remain empty,” he said.

“With the payment being low, I feel my Muslim and Hindu brothers will not celebrate Eid and Ram Naumi festivals,” he said.

Despite producing 1000 tons of cane each year, he believes the low price demotivates them in harvesting.

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