Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj has urged farmers to make independent decisions on harvesting sugar cane instead of allowing politics to influence them.
Mr Maharaj said farmers depended on harvesting for their livelihoods and delaying harvests would only hurt their families.
“If you don’t cut your crop, you don’t get any income,” he said.
“Those encouraging farmers not to harvest are not putting food on their tables.”
He said negotiations with the Government had already produced improvements for growers, including an increase in the guaranteed cane price to $85 a tonne.
“This goes along with manual harvesting assistance and diesel subsidies.”
Mr Maharaj said discussions with the Government were continuing in the hope of securing further improvements.
“We are negotiating on behalf of the farmers, but ultimately the decision to harvest belongs to the farmers themselves.”
He urged political parties to leave growers out of political disputes.
“Keep politics aside and let the farmers decide.”
