NFP leader seeks cane delivery payment increase

National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad has formally requested an increase in the cane delivery payment for sugarcane farmers, seeking to raise it from $42 to $45 per tonne. This move aims to provide greater support as farmers grapple with escalating costs.

In a letter dated June 1 to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and the Minister for Sugar, Prasad detailed his request for an additional top-up of $10.56 per tonne for cane delivery payments. He acknowledged the government's prior increase of $7.56 per tonne, which brought the payment to $42, but stressed that further assistance is vital to help growers manage rising transportation and farming expenses.

The NFP leader also advocated for subsidies on essential farming inputs such as fertilizer and weedicides, as well as fuel for cane lorry operators and farmers. Prasad expressed hope that these measures will be considered in the upcoming national budget.

Prasad noted growing uncertainty within the sugar industry, warning that some farmers might delay harvesting due to concerns over increased operational expenses. He emphasized the need for immediate support measures to restore farmer confidence and ensure a smooth start to the crushing season, highlighting the struggles many growers face with higher cartage and farm operation costs.