Lautoka Cane Producers Association internal control system officer Naveen Prasad says farmers are finding it tough to accept the $54.36 forecast price per tonne of cane for the 2021 season.
“We have had a number of calls from our members and they are quite discouraged with the forecast price,” he said.
“Unless there is an assurance from the sugar industry leaders for a fixed price as per last season, many will remain disillusioned.”
Mr Prasad said the low forecast price meant the delivery payment, which was 60 per cent of the forecast price, would not meet the cost per tonne for farmers, which included harvesting and cartage costs.
Another issue of concern was the inability of farmers and labourers to hold their Memorandum of Gang Agreement (MOGA) meetings because of COVID-19 social gathering restrictions.
“The association would really appreciate it if an arrangement could be made by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and Sugar Ministry in conjunction with the Ministry of Health to facilitate the MOGA annual general meeting as the farmers are now ready to harvest their crops.”
He said farmers were also looking forward to the announcement of the new crushing date for the Lautoka mill. Questions sent to FSC CEO Bhan Pratap Singh on the concerns raised remain unanswered.
