THE sugar industry is being held together with patches, not plans, says Opposition MP Viam Pillay.
In his contribution to the budget debate, Mr Pillay said sugar was not just a talking point for the Cabinet, but a daily grind for thousands whose livelihood depend on it.
“Let us be clear: the sugar industry is not an inconvenience tucked away in a ministry,” Mr Pillay said.
“It is a livelihood, a legacy, and a lifeline for thousands of families. And right now, it is being held together with patches, not plans.”
He said a key concern of the farmers was the renewal of sugarcane farming leases.
“For many, the question is no longer ‘how much will I be paid?’ it’s ‘will I even be allowed to plant next season?’
“Farmers in Seaqaqa, Labasa and in the West and people who have tilled the same land for decades are being told they may lose that land.
“The Government has allocated $978,200 for lease premium assistance, but that covers just a fraction of those affected.”
Mr Pillay said another matter was the guaranteed cane price and the need for the Government to legislate the price it sets, as was the case under FijiFirst.
He said this would give farmers confidence because they would not see the price as a “floating figure in a minister’s speech”.
He also said growers, mill workers, lorry drivers, the cooperatives and agricultural experts deserve to be inside the decision-making room, “not watching through a window”.
