Rakiraki farmers were today asked to speak about their grievances in light of the closure of the Penang mill.
At a Fiji Cane Growers Association meeting, more than 80 farmers were told that they needed to express their difficulties in remaining in the sugar industry if they needed to be heard.
NFP Leader Dr Biman Prasad was a guest speaker at the meeting and he re-iterated that if they win the 2018 election, they will rebuild and operate the Penang mill once again.
” I feel your pain. I feel the pain of your families, and I feel the pain of your society.” said Dr Biman Prasad – NFP Leader
Dr Prasad said they had raised a number of issues in Parliament that were for the betterment of the farmers in the country.
He added, the government has never supported any of their motions or petitions.
” When we say something from your side, when we say cane production has gone down, that farmers are earning less now, that farmers are in difficulty and they need help, what the government say? They are playing politics.”
Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Voreqe Bainimarama has stated work continues on improving the sugar industry and that government is looking at the best solutions.
Meanwhile, a petition was launched at the Rakiraki meeting by the Fiji Cane Growers Association.
The petition is calling for a minimum guaranteed sugarcane price for the 2017 season.
The petition outlines the increase in cane production over the years, but no improvement in the amount of money paid to farmers for their produce.
The farmers want a guaranteed fifty dollars per tonne of cane compared to 25 dollars currently.
The petition, once signed by farmers around the country will be forwarded to the National Federation Party for introduction in Parliament.