LAUTOKA Cane Producers Association chairman Bala Dass believes the delay in the third cane payment will have a long-term impact on growers.
“If you look at the records of all cane payments, never has there been a delay that has lasted this long,” said Mr Dass.
“We have had delays before but they only lasted one or two days.
“So growers are frustrated and rightly so.
“They worked all year around preparing and harvesting their farm but they did not get paid for it.
“So now all of that frustration is coming out.”
Mr Dass said the association met with the Minister for Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, days after the third cane payment was not issued.
“We took the growers concerns to the minister and they have taken the appropriate action to provide the top up.
“The guaranteed price that they have assured us for the 2025 season is $85 so farmers are expecting to be paid that amount and I hope they get paid and on time too.”
Yesterday, Opposition MP and Ba sugarcane farmer Viam Pillay criticised sugar industry stakeholders for the delay.
He said farmers, cooperatives and lorry owners are struggling to meet bank repayments and daily expenses.
“Banks and creditors are knocking on doors. Local shops are cutting off credit because the Government is withholding payments,” said Mr Pillay.
He also raised concerns about the rising global fuel prices and input costs that would further strain the industry.
“With fuel hitting $100 a barrel, every cost for the coming season — from fertiliser to transport — is going to skyrocket,” he said in a statement.
