Opposition MP Viam Pillay has accused the Government of failing to deliver on promised cane payments, rejecting claims that criticism of the issue is politically motivated.
Responding to remarks by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad, Mr Pillay said the concerns raised reflect the reality faced by growers.
“This isn’t politics; these are the hard facts of survival,” he said.
“You admitted the industry only earned 84 cents on its own. This is your real legacy—an industry making a loss and broken promises.”
Mr Pillay called on Government to settle outstanding payments, claiming farmers were still owed significant amounts.
“Stop the games. Pay the growers the $25.03 balance to reach $105, and don’t forget the $5 you still owe from your $110 promise,” he said.
He also urged authorities to immediately pay manual harvesting bonuses, productivity incentives and stand-over cane payments.
Mr Pillay outlined the current payment breakdown for the 2025 season, which he said totals $79.97 per tonne, including delivery, second, third and upcoming payments.
“Minister, $79.97 is not $105. You are $25.03 short of your own budget promise,” he said.
He stressed that farmers needed the funds urgently to support their families, pay labour costs and prepare for the next harvest.
“You cannot feed a family or run a farm on a press release,” he said.
Mr Pillay further claimed that even if the Government delivers a $105 price, it would still fall short of the $110 per tonne promise he alleges was made ahead of the 2022 general election.
“Even if the Government pays the ‘record’ $105 price, they are still $5 short of the $110 promise,” he said.
