Opposition MP Viam Pillay has called for urgent government intervention in the sugar industry, warning that farmers are struggling under rising costs, low payments and declining production.
In a statement, Mr Pillay said the current May cane payment of $6.77 per tonne was inadequate and placed further pressure on growers preparing for the next harvesting season.
“The May payment of $6.77 is an insult. It is not even enough to prepare for the next harvest,” he said.
Mr Pillay called on Government to immediately top up sugar sale payments and honour previously announced bonus payments of $5 and $3 per tonne before the new crushing season begins.
“A promise is a debt, and the government must pay up,” he said.
He also criticised fuel taxation, claiming high fuel prices were increasing operational costs for farmers and contributing to the broader cost-of-living pressures faced by households.
“How can this government justify taking over 26 per cent in taxes on every litre of fuel?” he said.
“Between the 20 cent duty and the VAT, they are making money while we go broke.”
Mr Pillay called for the removal of fuel duty and VAT on fuel, arguing that transport and food prices would continue rising if costs were not reduced.
On harvesting operations, he questioned what measures were being put in place to shield farmers and contractors from further fuel price increases.
“We cannot just wait for the price to jump and then scramble for a solution,” he said.
Among other demands, Mr Pillay called for the immediate repair of cane access roads and crossings, payment for all stand-over cane still remaining in the fields, and a permanent mechanism to stabilise harvesting rates despite fluctuating fuel prices.
“The facts do not lie. Production is at its lowest in 15 years,” he said.
Mr Pillay also claimed that despite significant taxpayer funding directed towards the Fiji Sugar Corporation over the years, the industry continued to struggle with deteriorating mill conditions and declining output.
“The Government must stop the talk. Give us relief on fuel, pay the farmers what they are owed, and protect our harvesting season today,” he said.
