NATIONAL Farmers Union (NFU) general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry has been vocal on social media about issues affecting the sugar industry but did not attend consultations with farmers and stakeholders, says Sugar Minister Tomasi Tunabuna.
Mr Tunabuna made the comments in response to Mr Chaudhry’s recent statement calling on the Government to address concerns raised by cane farmers and challenges facing the sugar industry.
Mr Chaudhry had criticised the Government’s response to harvesting difficulties and said concerns over cane prices and payments needed to be addressed to improve cane supply.
However, Mr Tunabuna said he was disappointed Mr Chaudhry did not participate in discussions despite claiming to represent farmers.
“He can be very vocal on social media, but he hasn’t really been coming forward,” Mr Tunabuna said.
He said Mr Chaudhry had written to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and copied him on a letter outlining several demands before the crushing season.
“He clearly mentioned that they were not boycotting, but they had their demands, and they were going to harvest. Their demands were met.”
Mr Tunabuna said he had attempted to arrange a meeting with Mr Chaudhry to discuss the issues raised.
He said consultations were later held with farmers and transport service providers in various areas, involving the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, senior Government officials and Members of Parliament.
“Although he said he was representing farmers, he was not in any of those forums.”
Mr Tunabuna said it was disappointing that concerns were being raised publicly when opportunities were available for direct discussions with stakeholders.
