The National Federation Party (NFP) has called on Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry to back his claims that the NFP assured farmers a cane payment of $110 per tonne during the 2022 elections. This request comes amid rising dissatisfaction among cane farmers over the recently announced third payment, which is set at $12.23 per tonne for the 2024 harvest.
Chaudhry has alleged that the coalition of the NFP and the People’s Alliance Party (PAP) made a commitment to elevate the minimum guaranteed price to $110 per tonne if they won the elections, a promise he contends has not been fulfilled. In response, NFP President Parmod Chand has criticized Chaudhry as a “shameless politician,” suggesting that his accusations aim to weaken NFP leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, particularly given Chaudhry’s own political predicaments.
Chand highlighted that cane growers received over $91 per tonne in 2023, which far exceeded the guaranteed price, and pointed out that the payment for 2024 reached an unprecedented high of $101.08 per tonne prior to Diwali. He reaffirmed that the current government is dedicated to supporting and respecting the cane growers, contrasting their approach with Chaudhry’s alleged history of politically exploiting farmers.
This exchange unveils the ongoing political tensions in Fiji, shedding light on the importance of accountability and responsibility in government commitments to the agricultural sector. The debate not only reveals past claims but also features the realities that influence public trust and political dialogue in the country.
Encouragingly, this situation presents an opportunity for both parties to engage in fruitful discussions, potentially improving the political environment and ensuring that the voices of farmers are acknowledged and prioritized in future policies. The commitment to constructive dialogue can lead to a more inclusive and supportive agricultural framework in Fiji.
Leave a comment