The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, has announced he will formally report the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) and the National Farmers Union (NFU) to the Fiji Police Force and the Registrar of Political Parties over what he describes as false and misleading statements regarding the 2024 cane payment.
The comments follow claims published on the FLP’s social page suggesting that Government’s final top-up amounted to only $1.20 per tonne.
“This is blatantly false,” Minister Singh said in a strongly worded statement.
“I intend to formally report the matter to the Fiji Police Force and the Registrar of Political Parties for investigation under the relevant laws governing the dissemination of false and misleading information.”
He confirmed that the final cane payment of $9.47 per tonne, announced yesterday by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in Lautoka, brings the total cane price for the 2024 season to $101.13 per tonne.
“This is the second consecutive year that cane growers are receiving more than $100 per tonne, which reflects this Coalition Government’s firm commitment to rebuilding the sugar industry and improving the lives of our farmers.”
The $9.47 payment includes a $8.27 per tonne top-up fully funded by Government, amounting to a $12.4 million direct injection into the sugar industry. The payment will be made before Diwali.
Minister Singh criticised the FLP and NFU for what he called “politically motivated misinformation”, warning that such tactics “undermine public trust and disrespect hardworking growers.”
“This Government remains focused on facts, results, and progress, not political propaganda,” he said.
“While others attempt to divide and deceive, we are modernising mills, mechanising field operations, restoring the Rarawai Mill, and delivering record-level payments.”
He urged political parties and stakeholders to act responsibly.
“We call on all stakeholders to work together in building a modern, transparent, and resilient sugar industry for the future of Fiji.”
