Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Dr Andrew Tukana opened the first in a series of Sugar Cane Farmers consultations at the Rarawai Temple in Ba yesterday, using the forum to reassure growers of continued government support as preparations ramp up for the 2026 crushing season. Dr Tukana also confirmed the release of a new cane payment for the 2025 crop and urged farmers to disregard what he described as misinformation circulated by aspiring politicians.
At the consultation, Dr Tukana said the Government remained “firmly committed to supporting all cane farmers and ensuring stability within the sugar industry” as stakeholders plan for next year’s harvesting and milling. He warned farmers not to be distracted by “political narratives” and opposition voices that, he said, have been spreading unnecessary fear about the sector’s future.
Officials announced that the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) had released the fourth cane payment for the 2025 crop season — $12.84 per tonne. That payment comprises FSC proceeds of $6.07 per tonne plus a Government top‑up of $6.77 per tonne. With this tranche, the current cane payment for the 2025 season now totals $80.88 per tonne, Dr Tukana said.
The Permanent Secretary told growers the Government had already committed to an additional top‑up of $5.16 per tonne to be paid later this year, while FSC is expected to make its final proceeds payment. Those combined injections are intended to give farmers greater certainty ahead of sowing, harvesting and logistics decisions linked to the 2026 crushing calendar.
The Ba consultation is the first in a planned nationwide series that officials say will take updates and planning advice directly to grower communities. Organisers said the sessions will cover payment timelines, harvesting schedules, and coordination with mill operations so farmers and contractors can finalise their seasonal plans.
The intervention comes as the industry prepares for another year of tight margins and operational challenge, with the Government emphasising stability and ongoing financial support as central to long‑term sustainability. Dr Tukana framed the consultations as part of that effort, calling for cooperation between growers, FSC and other stakeholders to safeguard livelihoods and maintain production into the next crushing season.
Further consultations will be held around the country in the coming weeks, with officials signalling more detailed timetables for the additional government top‑up and FSC’s final proceeds payment to be announced ahead of the 2026 campaign.