Outgoing Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh has dismissed claims for compensation for farmers regarding unharvested sugar cane, characterizing the appeals as politically motivated. The 2025 sugar season concluded on Monday, leaving 85,000 tonnes of cane in the Western Division unharvested.
In response to the situation, the National Farmers Union urged the Government and the Fiji Sugar Corporation to cease operations at the Rarawai Mill, citing challenging conditions for farmers. They also proposed a compensation of $35 per tonne for the unharvested cane and requested a refund for penalties associated with burnt cane.
Singh firmly stated that compensation would not be granted, emphasizing that the regulations do not permit it. He noted that even during Mahendra Chaudhry’s tenure as prime minister, similar requests for compensation from growers were denied.
Furthermore, Singh pointed out that he had not received an official request from the union for farmer compensation. He criticized Chaudhry for writing to the incoming minister instead of addressing him directly, suggesting that such actions were politically strategic as Chaudhry prepares for the upcoming elections.
This situation highlights the ongoing challenges within the sugar industry, particularly concerning the negotiation between farmers and the government amidst adverse farming conditions.
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