This week, sugarcane farmers in Fiji are set to receive a total payment of $5.416 million, distributed by the Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF). Although the payments were scheduled for yesterday, the Fund acknowledged some technical and operational challenges that led to delays in processing. CEO Raj Sharma has assured that all cane growers across the nation should receive their full payments today.
In a statement, Sharma noted, “The Sugar Cane Growers Fund wishes to inform all cane growers and stakeholders that a total cane payment of $5.416 million has been received. Of this amount, only $0.321 million has been deducted, meaning no deductions have been made to growers’ accounts except for those in arrears.” He also encouraged farmers interested in making voluntary repayments to do so at any SCGF district office and reiterated that outstanding balances are subject to interest, thus advising timely repayments.
Despite the positive news of payments being disbursed, farmers in the Western Division are expressing mixed feelings about the fourth cane payment. Mahen Prasad, a farmer from the Drasa sector, voiced concerns about the adequacy of payments, stating, “To be honest, what we need is $20 per tonne as the final cane payment. Our costs and our profit are not the same. More is coming out of our pockets.”
This situation mirrors sentiments expressed by other growers throughout the region, where many are feeling the financial strain of rising operational costs. As highlighted in previous articles regarding cane payments, some growers have noted that expected payments often do not cover their expenses due to accumulated debts and increasing costs for labor and materials.
However, in a broader context, there is a collective effort among stakeholders to support farmers through various initiatives. Recent announcements have included additional special payments and discussions about ongoing support mechanisms to help sugarcane farmers sustain their operations amid challenging economic circumstances. A sense of cautious optimism remains, as both government interventions and support from industry bodies aim to address these financial pressures, ultimately fostering resilience and potential growth in Fiji’s vital sugar industry.
As the farmers receive this crucial financial assistance, there is hope that it will enable them to better manage their costs, invest in their operations, and improve their overall livelihoods in a sector that has historically faced numerous challenges.
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