Farmers in the Western Division are calling for a cane price of $110 per tonne for the 2026 crop season.
In an interview yesterday in Rarawai, Ba sugarcane farmer Jasveer Lal said farmers were seriously considering an increase to $110 per tonne.
“Government announced $85 per tonne but we don’t agree with it,” he said.
“Our forecast is $110; farmers are wanting $110 and we will stick to that.”
Mr Lal said majority of the farmers were supportive of the $110 per tonne increase.
“The Government forecast is $85 that is 2018 forecast. At that time there was no crisis, but now we are facing the fuel crisis, and we will stand on that $110.”
Ba Lorry Association president and farmer Atish Kumar said the $85 per tonne should be for the delivery payment.
“The forecast price they are giving now it is not enough, it can’t meet the expense that the farmers will face,” he said.
“So, we farmers are asking to increase our cane payment.
“The $85 per tonne, that should be for delivery payment, and we are asking for $110 or $120 for sugarcane price.”
Meanwhile, former FSC board member and farmer Arvind Singh has described the $85 per tonne as an old price which was set eight years ago.
“This is $85 per tonne from past eight years, and it is an old price because the price should increase,” he said.
“We are not happy with this forecast price and this guaranteed price of $85 has been the old same routine for the past eight years.
“Farmers expect $110 because everything has increased, and the farmers are working hard to prepare the cane for harvest, and nobody is listening to us.”
The crushing season is expected to commence on June 17.
