Canegrowers across the country will now pay $20.60 per tonne in mechanical harvester fees, an increase of $3.10 per tonne from the $17.50 levied previously.
President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere said all industry stakeholders needed to be mindful that the rise in fuel costs had resulted in the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission increasing the hire rate for mechanical harvesters.
“You all will need to discuss the rates that will work best for all parties given that you all are heavily dependent on each other for your livelihoods,” he said.
“I also urge the lorry drivers and tractor operators to take advantage of the 14-day grace period and have your vehicles certified and ensure that you remain in the weight limits to avoid unnecessary fines.”
Ratu Wiliame said rising fuel prices had brought serious challenges to mechanical harvester operators, but they were fortunate their plight for an increase in rates was heard by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC).
“After considering the submissions from the mechanical harvester operators and analysing views from other stakeholders, the FCCC has determined the new rate to increase from this year to $20.60 from the previous rate of $17.50 per tonne.
“This will ensure that mechanical harvester operators are able to bear the rising fuel costs as well as make timely repayments to financiers.”
Ratu Wiliame said in a bid to increase cane production to more than two million tonnes by 2023, the Fiji Sugar Corporation had implemented a strategic plan.
“Increasing the yield is one of the corporation’s objectives for both — current area under cane and new areas identified for cane planting.
“The other stream that the corporation is targeting is effective and efficient milling processes at all three factories to improve sugar recovery and factory efficiencies.”
