Opposition MP Viam Pillay has accused the Government of failing cane farmers, saying funds spent on official travel and consultants should instead be used to settle outstanding payments.
“If this Government can find the money for its own high-office travel and endless consultants, it can find the money for the farmers,” Mr Pillay said in a statement.
He said farmers across the cane belt were facing mounting hardship as delays in payments continued, leaving many unable to sustain operations.
“We don’t need blame-shifting, we don’t need consultations, and we don’t need tips on how to ride a bicycle. We need our payment,” he said.
Mr Pillay claimed the delays had left farmers financially strained, with some struggling to meet basic expenses.
“Farmers’ bank accounts are empty because the Government decided to default on its debt to us,” he said.
He warned that the situation could worsen, raising concerns that the fourth cane payment due in May may also be delayed.
“The signs are already there that the fourth payment due in May will also be delayed. This is a total collapse of the system,” Mr Pillay said.
Calling for urgent action, he urged Government leaders to honour their commitments to farmers.
“Stop the stories. Stop the excuses. We cannot farm with your words, and we certainly cannot fuel our tractors with your insults,” he said.
Mr Pillay also criticised the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, describing the situation as a betrayal of farmers who rely on timely payments to sustain their livelihoods.
“Keep your promise and pay the farmers as soon as possible,” he said.
