Government is scrambling for funds to pay thousands of sugarcane growers after the third cane payment missed its deadline, leaving farmers across Fiji demanding urgent answers.
Permanent secretary for Agriculture Andrew Tukana acknowledged the delay during the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence presentation on Monday saying payment now depends on sourcing funds through the Ministry of Finance.
“There is a special briefing by our minister (Tomasi Tunabuna) with the Prime Minister (Monday) morning, and he will also brief the PM on the third cane payment,” he said.
“On (March 20) I had submitted a draft Cabinet paper for vetting by the SG’s office as well as the Ministry of Finance. Our minister will be discussing this with the Minister of Finance hopefully today or tomorrow to get an indication of where this money will come from because at the moment it has not been in the budget.
“So if they agree then we will pay but it has to come from a political level endorsed by Cabinet and then we will have to wait for the money.
“The message now to the cane farmers is if it does not happen on the 31st (yesterday) then there will be a special cane payment if the Government agrees to pay it.”
Under the Master Award Agreement, growers had expected the payment by the end of March. Instead, from Sigatoka to Ba, many reported empty bank accounts, forcing some to sell livestock just to get by.
“Moto farmers are selling chickens, ducks and even cows to get money,” said grower Arun Sharma.
“We’ve been waiting for feedback from the Sugar Cane Growers Council, FSC and the ministry, but no one is telling us anything.”
Yesterday Minister for Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna said the payment date would be confirmed soon, noting that the Master Award did not specify a fixed date.
“The Master Award does not mention the date for payment, however, payment will be done when it is ‘practicable’,” Mr Tunabuna said.
“It will only be practicable that payment be done and requires topping up if necessary. That will require Cabinet approval. Farmers will be addressed with the payment soon.”
However, growers say the lack of certainty is deepening frustration.
Former FSC board member Arvind Singh said farmers were still waiting for clear communication.
Industry representatives warn the delay could push farmers out of the sector.
Fiji Cane Lorries Association Rarawai president Atish Kumar questioned the future of cane farming.
“Why should we continue to grow cane when we are running our farms at a loss every season?” he said.
Questions sent to the Sugar Cane Growers Council and FSC chief executive officer Bhan Pratap Singh remained unanswered.
