FARMERS in the North are calling on the Government and relevant stakeholders to listen to their pleas after the Labasa mill failed to begin crushing as planned.
Bucaisau cane farmer Mohammed Rafiq said key stakeholders could have resolved issues facing farmers earlier through proper consultations.
“Fiji Sugar Corporation, the Government, and other stakeholders like the Growers Council should have met with farmers earlier,” he said.
Mr Rafiq said proper discussions would have helped ensure all parties understood the arrangements before the start of the season.
“Farmers had already raised concerns in earlier meetings, but solutions provided were only short-term. Only some of our concerns have been heard, but only for a short period.”
He said the current situation had left farmers uncertain about what will happen next.
“At the moment, farmers are stuck and uncertain. We don’t know what will happen after these temporary arrangements end.”
He said farmers remain willing to harvest but need clear direction and long-term certainty.
“We are ready to work, but we need certainty. Without that, farmers carry all the risk.”
He urged all stakeholders to meet urgently and resolve outstanding issues to prevent further disruption to the industry.
