Farmers push for higher cane price

Fiji's sugar farmers are pressing for an increased guaranteed cane price, a key issue now under consideration by the Sugar Industry Special Committee. The committee has completed its consultations in the Western Division, gathering input from farmers and industry stakeholders, including the Sugar Cane Growers Council, Sugar Cane Growers Fund, and the Fiji Sugar Corporation.

Minister for Sugar Tomasi Tunabuna stated that all submitted proposals will be consolidated before the committee finalizes its recommendations. He highlighted that the minimum guaranteed cane price is a point of discussion and can be adjusted based on prevailing industry conditions. "We were collecting farmers’ views and what they were requesting," Tunabuna said. "We also received submissions from the stakeholders, which have been forwarded to the secretariat."

Tunabuna also commented on the absence of certain individuals who claim to represent farmers on social media, noting their failure to attend consultation meetings to present their concerns directly. Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Professor Biman Prasad confirmed that consultations in Rakiraki, Ba, Lautoka, and Sigatoka were well-attended, providing farmers a direct channel to voice their issues. Prasad added that council members have also submitted their recommendations.

The committee is now preparing to travel to Labasa to hear from farmers in the Northern Division. The findings from these consultations will guide the next steps in addressing the significant challenges confronting Fiji's sugar industry.

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We were collecting farmers’ views and what they were requesting. We also received submissions from the stakeholders, which have been forwarded to the secretariat. The secretariat will now circulate copies of all the submissions received from the stakeholders.