Broken promises made before the election are damaging confidence among sugarcane farmers and affecting the future of the industry, says Bucaisau mechanical harvester operator Firoz Ali.
Mr Ali said farmers were assured they would receive more than $100 per tonne of cane, but they were still waiting for that commitment to be fulfilled.
“We have the evidence. We have seen those statements in the media, including newspapers, television, radio and online platforms,” he said.
He said politicians made public statements about increasing payments to farmers, and farmers had kept records of those promises through various media reports.
“Many farmers believed the promised price of $110 per tonne would become a reality, but there had been no clear response on when the commitment would be delivered.”
He said the uncertainty was creating frustration among farmers and mechanical harvester operators who depended on the sugar industry for their livelihoods.
“These types of promises and then no action are damaging the sugar industry in Fiji.”
He said the farmers want the money they were promised before the elections.
Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna said the Government remained fully committed to supporting cane growers and was actively addressing sector challenges through major fuel and harvesting subsidies.
Mr Tunabuna urged all stakeholders to focus on the practical relief being delivered at present rather than letting political narratives disrupt the crushing season.
