Sugarcane payment shortfall flagged

Opposition Member of Parliament Viam Pillay has called on the Government to pay cane growers their full dues, saying promises made must be honoured.

Mr Pillay, speaking on behalf of the Opposition, said the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) payment schedule tells a different story.

“You cannot feed a family on a percentage of a promise. Our cane growers were told clearly and publicly that they would receive a guaranteed price they could rely on to plan their lives,” he said.

“Now, the payment schedule from FSC shows a very different story. When you look at the numbers for the 2025 season, the gap is impossible to ignore.”

He outlined the payments:

• Delivery payment: $42.85;
• Second payment: $14.28;
• Third payment: $10.91;
• Fourth payment (May): $6.77;
• Final payment (October): $5.1;
• Total: $79.97

“The math is simple: even the $85 per tonne guarantee set under the FijiFirst government is not being met. The current pay-out of $79.97 leaves a shortfall of $5.03.”

Mr Pillay said a higher guaranteed price had also been promised after the 2022 General Election.

“It was promised — and even stated in Parliament — that after winning the 2022 elections, a guaranteed price of $110 would be given.

“From the 2022 to 2024 seasons, farmers were paid over $100, but only because global sugar prices were high. That money did not come from the Government; it came from the market.”

He said promised bonuses had also not been paid.

“Farmers harvesting manually for the 2025 season were promised a $3 per tonne bonus — not yet paid. Farmers who produce more than their 2024 harvest were told they would receive $5 per tonne — still not paid.

“Even those with stand-over cane are still waiting.”

Mr Pillay said with falling sugar prices and rising fuel costs, the Government must intervene.

“A guarantee is a guarantee. It is not a forecast that disappears when things get tough. Our farmers have already paid for fuel, fertiliser and labour at record-high prices. They have delivered the cane, so why is their money being held back?”

He said FSC should not expect praise for releasing a delayed third payment before April 20.

“Releasing overdue money is the bare minimum. Our farmers are the backbone of this country and they deserve the price they were promised, not a percentage of the truth.

“Stop the game. Pay the farmers what is owed.”

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna was contacted for comment but did not respond.