Chaudhry Slams Government Over Low Cane Payment

Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has criticized the coalition government over the drastically reduced third cane payment of $12.23 per tonne for the 2024 crop, calling it a betrayal of farmers who were promised higher prices.

Chaudhry highlighted that this payment is nearly $11 less than last year’s third payment of $23.14 per tonne.

So far, farmers have received only $69.63 per tonne for the 2024 crop, with just $15.37 left for the remaining two payments to meet the minimum guaranteed price of $85 per tonne—an amount fixed in 2018 despite rising cultivation, harvesting, and transportation costs.

He pointed out that in the lead-up to the 2022 general elections, the coalition partners—People’s Alliance and the National Federation Party—had promised to raise the minimum guaranteed price to $110 per tonne if elected.

That promise has not been fulfilled.

“If the minimum price had been raised as promised, farmers would be receiving an additional $25 per tonne, easing their financial burden,” Chaudhry said.

Farmers have expressed their frustration, saying they voted for change but have been left disappointed.

They are demanding answers from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Finance Minister Biman Prasad on why the pledge remains unfulfilled.

“The government must honour its commitment,” Chaudhry said. “Our farmers deserve better; they are the backbone of our economy and should be respected for their contribution.”