Opposition MP Viam Pillay has called on Government to honour its promised cane payment, accusing authorities of failing farmers and the sugar industry.
In a statement, Mr Pillay said the Government had promised a record $105 per tonne for cane last June but had failed to meet the March 31 deadline for the third payment.
“A promise made to a farmer is a debt that must be honoured,” he said.
He criticised the Ministry’s explanation that funds had been exhausted due to issues at the Ba Mill and an extended crushing season, describing it as “an admission of failure, not an excuse”.
“If a mill breaks down, that is a management failure. If a season drags on and costs spiral, that is a planning failure,” Mr Pillay said.
He also raised concern over deductions being imposed on farmers, claiming penalties were being applied for delays beyond their control.
“When the mill stops or trucks are lined up for days because of technical inefficiency, the farmer is the one being fined. This is effectively taxing our people for the Government’s own incompetence,” he said.
Mr Pillay further claimed that about 93,000 tonnes of cane had been left unharvested, estimating that nearly $10 million in potential income had been lost from the rural economy.
“That is money for school fees, family debts, and the next crop,” he said.
He urged Government to prioritise payments to farmers, saying: “Stop the excuses… Pay the farmers what they have earned.”
Government and the Fiji Sugar Corporation are yet to respond to the claims.
