A sugarcane farmer from Tadravula, Seaqaqa is raising concerns about the delay in cane payment saying farmers are facing difficulties due to this issue.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Mohammad Adam highlighted that people were expecting to receive their payment before the end of March, however, it has now been delayed, and farmers will receive the payment on the 20th of April.
The Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd had earlier paid out $0.84 per tonne as the third cane payment, bringing the total to $57.97 per tonne.
However, after a meeting between the government and sugar industry stakeholders, it was agreed that the third cane payment would be topped up to $10.91 per tonne, bringing the overall payout to $68.04 per tonne for the 2025 season.
He says many farmers are already in debt due to spending on spices and medicines, and deductions by the Gross Fund and the Fiji Development Bank will leave them with little to no money.
Adam says this is creating concern for the next harvesting season in May or June.
When asked how the delay is affecting farmers, Adam says sugarcane farmers depend heavily on these payments, while some farmers with savings may manage, those already in debt will struggle as deductions will take up most of their earnings.
He says farmers in Seaqaqa are already facing financial pressure, with the rising cost of living affecting their ability to support their families.
HINDI INSERT: Seaqaqa farmer on difficulties 15th Apr
Adam says that the drop in payment to around $10 this year, compared to $12 to $14 in previous years, is discouraging for farmers and could impact the future of the sugar industry.
He says farmers are now calling for a special payment, and if farmers receive an additional $4 or $5, it would ease the burden.
He says last year farmers received around $20, which has raised questions as to why payments are lower this year.
Meanwhile, Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna says that the payment being made is part of the current pricing process.
Tunabuna stressed that the Government is managing the situation in light of recent challenges, including the impacts of cyclones and ongoing issues within the industry.
INSERT: Tunabuna on payment 16th Apr
He is also encouraging farmers to contact him directly to raise their concerns and seek clarification.
