Nearly 11,000 sugarcane farmers across Fiji are set to receive a final payment of $4 per tonne for the 2023 season. This increase of $1.43, funded by the Government, raises the total cane price to $105.08 per tonne, marking the highest payment the industry has seen to date.
Vimal Dutt, the CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Council, expressed gratitude towards the Government for this financial support, emphasizing its importance for the farming families who will benefit from receiving their full net proceeds today without any deductions. He noted, “Certainly, this brings more joy and happiness to the growers’ families, contributing to building a resilient farming community.”
Despite facing challenges during the season due to adverse weather conditions and decreased rainfall affecting production, Dutt remarked on the growers’ commitment, bolstered by government grants and programs aimed at supporting them through initiatives like replanting and in-field training.
As the cane crushing season approaches its conclusion, with Viti Levu mills now closed and the Labasa mill scheduled to shut on November 6, 2024, growers are encouraged to continue their harvesting efforts.
This positive development reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and highlights the resilience of the sugarcane farmers in Fiji. With these payments, farmers are better positioned to invest in their livelihoods and adapt to changing environmental conditions, fostering a hopeful outlook for the future of the industry.
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