The National Farmers Union (NFU) has formally addressed a letter to the newly appointed Minister for Sugar, Tomasi Tunabuna, as well as the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), urging for an immediate halt to the crushing season at the Rarawai Mill and the provision of compensation for unharvested cane to affected farmers.
In their submission, the NFU is requesting a compensation payment of $35 per tonne for cane that remains unharvested. The Rarawai Mill has been non-operational for nearly three months, having shut down on September 17 due to fire damage. Recent estimates indicate that over 140,000 tonnes of cane remain unharvested throughout the Ba, Tavua, Ra, and Lautoka mill regions.
General Secretary of the NFU, Mahendra Chaudhry, highlighted that farmers are experiencing significant challenges in harvesting and delivering their cane due to persistent wet weather conditions since the mill resumed operations. “Farmers face substantial difficulties in harvesting and delivering cane to the mill due to the extremely wet weather over the past two weeks,” Mr. Chaudhry explained. The adverse weather has rendered harvesting machines inoperable, leading to disruptions in cane supply and considerable financial losses for both the growers and the FSC.
As the wet season intensifies and the Christmas holidays approach, Mr. Chaudhry noted an acute shortage of labor is further complicating harvesting efforts. He mentioned that many farmers have lost hope of having their cane harvested timely.
The NFU’s proposal encompasses compensation for all growers with stand-over cane, including those in both Labasa and Lautoka mill areas. The suggested amount of $35 per tonne corresponds to one-third of the projected cane price for the 2024 season, which is set at $101.13. Moreover, the union criticized the FSC and mill management for the fire incident at Rarawai, asserting that farmers should not shoulder the repercussions of such inefficiencies. They are also calling for a reimbursement of all penalties related to burnt cane deducted since September 17, 2025, in addition to the restoration of the lorry allowance from $10 back to $15 per tonne.
“The farmers cannot continue to bear the burden of such inefficiencies,” Mr. Chaudhry stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action to support the agricultural community during these challenging times. This appeal highlights the critical need for consistent support and solutions to sustain the livelihoods of farmers in the face of adverse circumstances.