Prasad defends cane forecast price

Former Deputy Prime Minister and National Federation Party Leader Professor Biman Prasad has defended the coalition government's support for the sugar industry, asserting that farmers should not be misled by critics. Prasad claims the government delivered the highest cane price in Fiji's history in 2024. He further stated that payments exceeded $100 per tonne in 2025, bolstered by government top-ups linked to Fiji Sugar Corporation forecasts.

Prasad also pointed to various farmer support initiatives, including subsidies for fertilizer and weedicide, cane planting programs, lease renewals, and funding assistance for farmer premiums. He noted that approximately 80 percent of cane leases have been renewed in the past three years, with an additional $36 million recently allocated to enhance cane payments. Prasad attributed past weaknesses in the sugar industry to decisions made after 2006 by those now voicing criticism.

Meanwhile, former Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh advised farmers against panicking over current cane price forecasts. Singh explained that the Fiji Sugar Corporation's forecast is based on world market conditions and is subject to change with government support. He anticipates a final payout of around $85 per tonne, which he described as the minimum guaranteed cane price. Singh acknowledged rising fuel and production costs, suggesting that additional government assistance might be considered.

Both leaders urged farmers to disregard speculation and emphasized the government's ongoing commitment to sustaining the sugar industry through continued support.