For nearly 11,000 sugarcane farmers across Fiji, the announcement of a $4 final payment per tonne for the 2023 season has brought a welcome boost to their earnings.
This latest payment increase of $1.43, paid by the Fiji Coalition Government, raises the overall cane price to $105.08 per tonne— marking the highest payment on record for the industry.
Vimal Dutt, CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Council, thanked the government for this support, highlighting its significance for farming families who will receive their full net proceeds today without any deductions.
“Certainly this bring more joy and happiness to the growers’ family in building resilient farming community,” Dutt said noting the challenges faced during the season due to adverse climatic conditions and reduced rainfall impacting production.
Nevertheless, Dutt said that growers have remained committed, with government grants and programs supporting them through replanting initiatives and in-field training.
As the cane crushing season nears its end—with the Viti Levu mill now closed and Labasa mill scheduled to shut on November 6, 2024—growers are encouraged to continue harvesting.
Photo: Sugarcane Growers Council
