RESPONDING to a request from the Sugar Cane Growers Council, FSC announced a special cane payment will be made to all cane growers next week to assist in pre-school preparations.
In light of the start of the new school year and also as a means of assisting cane growers recovering from Tropical Cyclone Evan, FSC executive chairman Abdul Khan also confirmed that the second cane payment to farmers who supplied the Lautoka and Rarawai mills would be brought forward.
“The special cane payment of $4 per tonne could be made as early as January 18,” Mr Khan said.
“We are presently working on this and should have this confirmed early next week.
“For Rarawai and Lautoka Sugar Mill areas, we are looking at making the payment no later than mid-January.
“We hope to confirm the actual date by early next week.”
Council acting CEO Sundresh Chetty commended the FSC’s quick response.
“Following TC Evan, we requested an emergency meeting of industry stakeholders and made proposals for the second cane payment for Lautoka and Rarawai be brought forward and a special payment be made for the educational needs of children,” he said.