Close to 11,000 sugarcane farmers in Fiji are set to benefit from a final payment of $4 per tonne for the 2023 season. The government’s recent payment increase of $1.43 has raised the overall cane price to $105.08 per tonne, marking a historic high for the industry.
Vimal Dutt, CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Council, expressed gratitude to the government for this crucial support, emphasizing its importance for farming families who will receive their total net proceeds without any deductions. “This certainly brings more joy and happiness to the growers’ family, contributing to a resilient farming community,” Dutt remarked, acknowledging the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions and reduced rainfall that impacted production this season.
Despite these hardships, Dutt noted that sugarcane growers have shown remarkable commitment, aided by government grants and initiatives that support replanting and provide in-field training. As the cane crushing season comes to a close, with mills in Viti Levu now shut and the Labasa mill scheduled to close on November 6, 2024, growers are encouraged to continue their harvesting efforts.
In summary, this significant increase in payments not only provides immediate financial relief to sugarcane farmers but also strengthens their capacity to face future challenges. The government support, coupled with the resilience of the farming community, paints a hopeful picture for the sustainability and growth of Fiji’s sugar industry.
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