THE National Farmers Union has called on the Government to genuinely seek the support of all canegrowers in the country to prepare for the serious challenges facing the future viability of the sugar industry in the country.

Union general-secretary and former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry said a number of resolutions were passed at the union’s general meeting held last month.

“As things stand, growers are completely sidelined and have no representative voice in the running of the industry. This must change for the good of the industry and the nation,” Mr Chaudhry said.

He said the industry had to be run in accordance with the laws governing it — the Sugar Industry Act.

He alleged serious breaches occurred when industry institutions such as the Sugar Commission of Fiji were disbanded and councillors removed from the Sugar Cane Growers Council in 2009.

“Now that we have a Constitution establishing the Rule of Law, immediate measures must be taken to comply with the Act.

“This will require the reinstatement of all elected growers councilors and members of the Sugar Commission of Fiji purportedly dismissed in 2009.

“The council and the commission must be allowed to function as independent institutions without interference from the State, and as provided for in the Sugar Industry Act.

“The reinstated council will need to call fresh elections following consultations with the Sugar Industry Tribunal.”

Questions sent to the Prime Minister’s office last month and yesterday on the issues raised by the NFU remained unanswered.

However, speaking in Parliament last month, Mr Bainimarama said there were no plans to hold elections for the Sugar Cane Growers Council. No mention was made about the re-establishment of the Sugar Commission of Fiji.