The National Farmers Union (NFU) has called for a forecast price of $60 per tonne of cane for the 2022 season.

Union general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry said the delivery payment should be fixed at $45 per tonne to avoid problems that may arise should a lower rate be set.

“The Fiji Sugar Corporation and the Sugar Industry Tribunal must take into account the escalating costs of harvesting and transportation as a result of significant increases in fuel and maintenance costs of lorries and other farm machinery used for harvesting,” Mr Chaudhry said.

“Farmers should be paid their fourth cane payment early next month to enable them to carry out repair and maintenance works in good time. They are owed $24 per tonne from the last season’s crop and all of this money should be paid to them now.”

Mr Chaudhry said the low third payment of $11 per tonne last month was largely offset by deductions, leaving them with little to take care of their normal pre-harvest commitments.

“Farmers have to make advance cash payments to engage labour for manual harvesting. There are also other associated harvesting costs which require upfront payments. As such, the fourth cane payment should be made in good time to facilitate the smooth commencement of this year’s season.”

He said farmers were concerned about the readiness of the sugar mills to ensure a trouble free season.

“We expect FSC to take due cognisance of their concerns and have its mills in good working order as required under the Sugar Industry Master Award.”