The National Farmers Union (NFU) has questioned the decision by the Sugar Industry Tribunal to end crushing at the Labasa Mill on 24 November, saying the move will leave tens of thousands of tonnes of cane unharvested and farmers in crisis.
The Tribunal confirmed the closure date yesterday, even as around 40,000 tonnes of cane remain in the fields, awaiting harvest.
NFU General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhry said adverse weather in recent weeks, coupled with severe labour shortages, had significantly delayed harvesting and crushing operations—yet the mill’s management had failed to respond adequately.
“Adverse weather over the last several weeks and shortage of labour severely impeded harvesting and crushing operations resulting in a huge backlog,” Chaudhry said.
“The mill management has failed to provide the leadership needed to deal with the situation. Cane supply was affected because of the incompetence of the mill management.”
He said frequent disruptions and unannounced stoppages at the mill had contributed to the mounting crisis, pushing farmers closer to financial losses.
“Dumping of cane was not allowed because FSC’s loader at the mill was out of service.”
“This could have been dealt with by hiring loaders, but the management would rather shut down the mill and build a long queue of lorries with waiting times in excess of 18 hours.”
Describing the situation as chaotic and demoralising, he said there was a clear disconnect between mill management and those most affected.
“It’s just one big mess. Mill management is not talking to the farmers or the Lorry Association reps.”
“The Sugar Minister should spend some time with the lorry drivers in Labasa to get a taste of how the inefficiency and the couldn’t-care-less attitude of the mill management is affecting morale among cane farmers.”
Chaudhry reminded the Government of commitments made earlier in the season.
“At the beginning of the season, an assurance was given that every single stick of cane would be harvested and milled. Let it be so, Minister.”
The NFU is calling for urgent government intervention and a reconsideration of the closure date to ensure all farmers are treated fairly and no cane is left to waste.
