ALL sugarcane growers contribute to national production and should continue to receive support, says Sugar Cane Growers Council chief executive Vimal Dutt.
Mr Dutt was responding to comments by outgoing Sugar Industry Minister Charan Jeath Singh, who said government assistance should focus on high-producing farmers.
While acknowledging the business case for prioritising quality and consistency, Mr Dutt said many low-producing farmers faced challenges beyond their control.
“I understand where he is coming from, from an administrative and business perspective, but we must also consider farmers dealing with reduced land for planting, lease renewals and the rising cost of harvesting,” he said.
He said about 10,200 farmers currently supply cane to mills nationwide.
“They are all contributing to national cane production. Some may be producing less than others, but there is a reason for that.”
Former Fiji Sugar Corporation board member Arvind Singh also warned that cane production would continue to decline if more support is not provided.
He said farmers were already expecting lower cane payments and were struggling with labour shortages, transport issues, poor weather and expiring leases.
“I think it is wrong to blame the farmer when we have so many problems on our plate,” Mr Singh said.
