CABINET has approved a one-off special payment of $7.66million (VIP) to sugarcane farmers for the 2024 crop season.
The payment, which comes with no deductions, is aimed at helping growers prepare for the upcoming crush, starting early next month.
Sugarcane farmers usually receive their earnings in five staggered payments under the Master Award. So far, they’ve received three payments totalling $69.63 per tonne. Two more instalments are due in May and October.
After a tough 2024 season, marked by dry spells, rising costs, labour shortages and slow recovery from disasters, many farmers have struggled to stay on track.
This additional $5 per tonne is intended to give them a much-needed financial boost to hire workers and secure supplies before crushing begins.
To fund the sugarcane support, Cabinet approved the redeployment of $7.66m within the existing 2024-2025 National Budget.
The funds will be reallocated from identified savings across various government departments, as the current Sugar Stabilisation Fund doesn’t have enough to cover the payment.
The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry will oversee this funding allocation.
