The National Farmers Union says some cane growers in Ba have resolved not to harvest their 2026 crop unless Government and the Fiji Sugar Corporation address grievances ranging from low cane payments to rising fuel costs.
The decision was made during NFU meetings at the Ba Red Cross Hall and later at the Shri Venkatesh Permal Temple in Vunisamaloa on Saturday.
The NFU said growers had also called for the crushing season to be delayed until their concerns were addressed.
At the centre of the dispute is the forecast cane price of $57.40 per tonne, which the union says results in a delivery payment of $42 per tonne, unchanged from 2025 despite rising costs.
In a statement, the NFU said growers were seeking a revised forecast price of $85 per tonne, which would lift the delivery payment to $52 per tonne.
It said the inclusion of a government top-up of $7.56 per tonne would bring the total delivery payment to $59.56 per tonne. Other demands include a fuel rebate, compensation for 120,000 tonnes of standover cane from 2025, payment of outstanding harvesting and incentive allowances, maintenance of cane access roads and rail infrastructure, and refunds of burnt-cane penalties deducted after the Rarawai Mill fire.
NFU general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry said growers were frustrated that issues raised with the Sugar Minister had not been addressed.
“Farmers demand answers to issues raised therein,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“And they expect to be treated with some respect. They will pursue their claims to obtain justice.”
He also urged growers to remain united in their efforts.
“Solidarity is absolutely important,” he said.
Questions sent to the Sugar Ministry remained unanswered when this edition went to press last night.
