𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐬𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐦

The Minister for Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, responds to the unwarranted outcry regarding the third cane payment for the 2024 season, dismissing it as politically motivated drama stirred up by failed politicians and previous administrations.

“My job as Minister is not to be solely focused on one payment. While the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has made the third payment in accordance with the requirements of the Master Award, the 2024 crop payment process is not yet complete. The government will, of course, come in to ensure that farmers receive a fair and just payment,” said Minister Singh.

The third cane payment for the 2024 season stands at $12.22 per ton, which aligns with the seven-year average of $12.90 per ton (excluding government top-ups). However, this is not the final payment for the 2024 crop. As has been the practice under this government, additional support will be provided to ensure growers receive a just return for their hard work.

“Under our Coalition Government, we have consistently delivered the highest total cane payments—$91.38 per ton for the 2022 crop and a record $105.08 per ton for the 2023 crop. Yet, when one payment falls slightly below expectations, the same failed politicians predict doom and despair,” he said.

FSC has fulfilled its legal obligations under the Master Award, which stipulates that the third payment is made from the balance of proceeds collected by the end of February. However, as in previous years, the government remains committed to stepping in with additional financial support.

Hon. Singh emphasized that patience is required, and that unnecessary political noise does not benefit farmers. “Drumming empty drums will do no good for farmers. The full 2024 crop payment process is ongoing, and this government will ensure that growers receive what they deserve.”

The government’s track record speaks for itself—consistently providing top-ups to cane payments, delivering record-high returns, and ensuring that the sugar industry remains sustainable.

The third cane payment is just one component of the overall payment structure, and growers can be rest assured that further financial support is forthcoming. The coalition government remains committed to sustaining and strengthening the sugar industry, providing real solutions instead of engaging in political theatrics.

“We are focused on real solutions, not political theatrics. Farmers can be assured that our government will always act in their best interests,” Minister Singh added.

END