Nearly 11,000 sugarcane farmers in Fiji will receive a final payment of $4 per tonne for the 2023 season. This increase of $1.43, provided by the Government, has raised the total cane price to $105.08 per tonne, marking the highest payment in the industry’s history.
Vimal Dutt, CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Council, expressed gratitude to the Government for its support, emphasizing the positive impact on farming families who will receive their full net proceeds without any deductions. “This certainly brings more joy and happiness to the growers’ families while fostering a resilient farming community,” Dutt stated, acknowledging the challenges posed by poor climatic conditions and reduced rainfall affecting production.
Despite these challenges, Dutt noted that growers have remained dedicated, benefiting from government grants and programs that aid in replanting efforts and in-field training. As the cane crushing season approaches its conclusion, with the Viti Levu mills now closed and the Labasa mill set to close on November 6, 2024, growers are encouraged to continue with their harvesting activities.
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