Not all sugarcane farmers are satisfied with the $5million fuel subsidy, says Bucaisau Cooperative president Firoz Ali.
Mr Ali said the assistance would only apply to transportation and harvesting equipment such as lorries, tractors and mechanical harvesters, meaning some farmers would miss out on the relief.
“Farmers who transport their cane using rail systems or other methods will not qualify for the subsidy,” he said.
“However, all growers have been affected in one way or another by rising fuel prices.”
Mr Ali said the increase in fuel costs had placed additional pressure on farmers already struggling with high production expenses.
“The increase in fuel costs has had a direct impact on farming operations across the sugar belt.
“Farmers have had to pay more for land preparation, transportation and harvesting activities. The higher cost of fuel has also increased the price of goods and services used in cane production.”
He said many growers were finding it difficult to keep up with rising costs.
“Some have reduced farm maintenance activities to cut costs, while others have delayed harvesting or weed control work because of financial constraints ”
Mr Ali said the fuel subsidy was intended to ease some of the burden on growers who relied heavily on fuel-powered machinery.
“While the assistance will not reach every farmer, it is expected to provide relief to those facing the highest transportation and harvesting costs.”
Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna said the $5million assistance was specifically targeted at transport costs arising from increased fuel prices and was not intended to cover all expenses faced by cane growers.
Mr Tunabuna said efforts were being made to spread the limited funding across the wider sugar industry while addressing key cost pressures.
He said the subsidy would cover fuel price increases up to August.
