Sugarcane farmers to receive boosted payout ahead of Diwali

Good news for sugarcane farmers ahead of Diwali.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced an $8.27 top-up to the early wash-up payment, raising the 2024 cane price from $1.20 to $9.47 per tonne. The final payout for the season now stands at $101.13 per tonne.

Mr Rabuka made the announcement yesterday during the launch of the 2025 Prime Minister’s Sugar Cane Farmers Awards at the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) Training Centre in Lautoka.

He said the Coalition Government was committed to modernising the sugar industry and supporting farmers, landowners, millers, and communities.

“The Government has acted decisively by increasing the FSC guarantee from $200 million to $300 million,” Mr Rabuka said.

“This is a necessary step to safeguard the livelihood of thousands of Fijians and restore confidence in our sugar industry, one of the most historically significant sectors of our economy.”

He also praised the leadership of Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh, describing the Government’s target of increasing production by 200,000 tonnes annually as realistic and achievable in the first year.

Mr Rabuka reflected on the recent Rarawai mill fire, noting the industry’s spirit of rebuilding and recovery.

Farmers welcomed the announcement, highlighting the impact on their families and festival preparations.

Seaqaqa farmer Anand Kumar Mishra said the early payment would help him prepare for Diwali, which is an expensive period for Indo-Fijian farmers.

“We can also save extra money for the next crushing season and for emergencies,” he said.

Labasa farmer Yogendra Ram said families could celebrate the festival properly thanks to the early payment.

A sugarcane harvesting group leader, Ame Naulutegu, said the payment meant early wages for workers.

Votua farmer, Saras Chand, who has farmed for 40 years on 12 acres, thanked the Government for their support after the FSC Rarawai Mill fire disrupted harvesting.

“I have been able to harvest and transport cane to Lautoka mill with the Government’s grant assistance,” he said.

Ajnesh Maharaj from Raviravi, Lautoka, who has 16 acres, also welcomed the early wash-up payment.

“The financial assistance is a great initiative for farmers, especially after facing difficulties transporting cane to the Lautoka mill,” he said.

The awards recognise outstanding contributions in several categories, including Best Sugarcane Farmer, Young Farmer, Women Farmer, Innovative Farmer, Senior Farmer, and Green Champion.

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