Nearly 11,000 sugarcane farmers in Fiji are set to benefit from a final payment of $4 per tonne for the 2023 season. This increase of $1.43, funded by the Government, elevates the total cane price to $105.08 per tonne, establishing the highest price on record for the sugarcane industry in Fiji.
Vimal Dutt, the CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Council, expressed gratitude towards the Government for this financial support and emphasized its importance for farming families. He noted that farmers will receive their full net proceeds without any deductions, which is a significant boost to their livelihoods.
“This certainly brings more joy and happiness to the growers’ families in building a resilient farming community,” Dutt stated, acknowledging the difficulties farmers faced during the season due to challenging weather conditions and a decrease in rainfall, which affected production levels. Despite these challenges, growers have shown commitment to their work, aided by government grants and programs aimed at supporting replanting efforts and providing necessary in-field training.
As the cane crushing season approaches its conclusion, with mills in Viti Levu already closed and the Labasa mill expected to shut down on November 6, 2024, farmers are encouraged to continue their harvesting activities.
This positive development signifies not only financial relief for the farmers but also highlights ongoing support from the government. It showcases the resilience and determination of the sugarcane farming community in Fiji, emphasizing hope for a sustainable future despite challenging circumstances.
In summary, the increase in payment for sugarcane reflects a record-breaking achievement for the farmers and a commitment from the government to enhance the agricultural sector, ensuring the well-being of farming families in Fiji.
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