Vimal Dutt, the chief executive of the Sugar Cane Growers Council, has underscored the necessity of supporting all sugarcane farmers within the country’s agricultural framework. His statements come in response to outgoing Sugar Industry Minister Charan Jeath Singh’s comments, which suggested that government support should primarily focus on high-yield farmers.
Dutt acknowledges the business rationale behind concentrating on quality and consistency but highlights the numerous challenges that low-producing farmers encounter, many of which are beyond their control. These challenges include diminishing land availability for planting, difficulties in renewing leases, and rising harvesting costs.
“Approximately 10,200 farmers supply cane to mills around the nation. While some may not produce as much as others for various reasons, each plays a role in national cane production,” Dutt emphasized, pointing out the collective contributions of all farmers in the sugar industry.
Arvind Singh, a former board member of the Fiji Sugar Corporation, shared similar concerns, warning that without enhanced support, cane production may experience a further decline. Many farmers are preparing for lower cane payments while facing labor shortages, transportation issues, adverse weather, and lease expirations.
“It is unfair to blame farmers who are confronted with numerous significant challenges,” Singh stated, advocating for a more comprehensive approach to assisting the farming community.
This ongoing dialogue highlights a crucial moment for sugarcane producers in the region, emphasizing the need for support systems that accommodate the diverse realities faced by all farmers. Providing assistance to lower-producing farmers is vital to ensuring overall production stability and safeguarding the livelihoods of individuals in this essential sector. Strengthening support for all farmers can foster a resilient agricultural landscape, benefiting the entire industry and enhancing food security for the nation.