Lautoka Cane Producers Association chairman Bala Dass is calling on Government to delay the start of the crushing season.
Mr Dass said this was because growers were not prepared for the costs they have to bear following another increase of fuel prices.
“We recently got the 2026 forecast price of $57.40 and if you calculate the amount left over from the $45 cost of harvest and delivery, farmers will have very little in their pocket,” Mr Dass said.
“Then we have the increase of the fuel prices which is again another burden on the farmer.
“There are a lot of issues that have to be addressed before the crushing season and that is why I am asking and pleading with the Government to delay the crushing season.”
Mr Dass said the lack of response from the Ministry of Sugar was also causing a lot of concern among farmers.
“I don’t know why the Ministry of Sugar is quiet and why FSC is insisting on going ahead with the crushing season when there are all of these issues yet to be addressed.
“We work with three mechanical harvesters and the rate at which we are working with which is $21.74, it will be very difficult for growers to harvest cane at that rate.
“The rates have to go and only then we can survive.
“Nobody is prepared to harvest with the old rate.”
He said these matters should have been rectified before any announcement of a crushing date was made.
In Parliament last week, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel confirmed Government would provide a top up for the yet to be released fourth cane payment.
