Nearly 11,000 sugarcane farmers in Fiji are set to receive a final payment of $4 per tonne for the 2023 season, marking a significant financial boost for the industry. This increase of $1.43, funded by the Government, elevates the total cane price to $105.08 per tonne, which represents the highest payment recorded in the sector’s history.
Vimal Dutt, CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Council, expressed gratitude towards the Government for their support, emphasizing the positive impact this increase will have on farming families. The farmers will receive their full net payments today, free of any deductions—a welcome development after facing the challenges of the season, particularly adverse weather conditions and inadequate rainfall affecting production.
Despite these challenges, Dutt noted that farmers have shown remarkable dedication, supported by government grants and programs aimed at replanting initiatives and in-field training. As the cane crushing season draws to a close—with mills in Viti Levu already shut down and the Labasa mill expected to close on November 6, 2024—growers are encouraged to continue with their harvesting efforts.
This financial support not only aids the farmers but also fosters resilience within the agricultural community, promising a more stable future for Fiji’s sugarcane industry.
In summary, this development indicates a hopeful outlook for sugarcane farmers, reinforcing the importance of government support in enhancing agricultural viability amidst adversities.
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