Sugar Minister has urged sugarcane growers to put politics aside, sign the Memorandum of Gang Agreement (MOGA) and begin supplying cane to the mills without further delay as the crushing season gets underway.
Speaking at a press conference today, Tunabuna said the mills are now ready to operate and any further delay in cane deliveries would have serious consequences for growers and the industry.
“The mills are now ready to operate. It is equally important that cane deliveries commence without unnecessary delay.”
The Minister said the signing of MOGA had progressed more slowly than expected and appealed to growers to complete the process immediately.
“The conclusion of the Memorandum of Gang Agreement (MOGA) has been slower than expected, and I urge all growers to sign the MOGA and commence supplying cane to the mills immediately.”
Tunabuna warned that every day of delay affects cane quality, harvesting schedules, transport logistics and, ultimately, farmers’ incomes.
“We cannot afford to lose valuable harvesting days. More importantly, we cannot allow politics to dictate farming.”
He said the Government has demonstrated its commitment to the sugar industry through a range of support measures and called on all stakeholders to do their part.
“No government has honoured the guaranteed cane price of $85 per tonne. We have allocated an additional $5 million to assist farmers with increased fuel costs. We have continued with the $3 per tonne manual harvesting subsidy and continue to fund fertiliser subsidies, weedicide subsidies and other assistance for the sugar industry.”
Tunabuna urged growers, contractors and industry stakeholders to work together to ensure a successful crushing season.
“Let us work together, let us put our farmers first, let us ensure that this crushing season proceeds successfully for the benefit of every farming family and every community that depends on the sugar industry. Together we can restore confidence, improve production and secure the future of the industry.”
