NFP Warns Against Misinformation on Cane Payments

Alleged political detractors have been warned to stop misleading sugarcane growers over the Government’s $36.5 million top-up to cane payments for the 2025–2026 season.

National Federation Party (NFP) leader Professor Biman Prasad said claims circulating about the top-up being the final cane price are incorrect, stressing that the additional funds are meant to supplement payments—not replace them.

He explained that the $36.5 million will be used to boost three payments to growers, with $10.07 per tonne added to the third payment made on April 20, $6.77 per tonne to the fourth payment due in May, and $5.16 per tonne to the final payment scheduled for October.

“This is only the top-up amount and not the payments,” Prasad said.

He noted that without the top-up, the third payment would have been significantly lower, at just 84 cents per tonne, but was increased to $10.91 per tonne with Government support.

Honourable Prasad also clarified that the fourth and final payments have not yet been certified by the Sugar Industry Tribunal, and that the top-up amounts will be added once those figures are confirmed in accordance with industry regulations.

He reassured growers that the final cane price for the 2025–2026 season is expected to exceed the guaranteed minimum of $85 per tonne, as has been the case in recent years.

At the same time, Prasad accused members of the Opposition and a former Prime Minister of deliberately spreading misinformation for political purposes.

“Despite having full knowledge of the processes and procedures, unscrupulous politicians who are purely interested in promoting their self-interest are lying to growers and the nation,” he said.

He further claimed that some of the same critics had remained silent when growers were allegedly underpaid between 2019 and 2022.

Prasad said the Government remains committed to ensuring farmers receive fair returns, dismissing claims to the contrary as politically motivated.