Africa-Press – Mauritius. Some ten thousand small sugarcane planters will benefit up to Rs 2,462 per ton of sugar for crops 2019, 2020 and 2021 as part of an additional financial support measure to the tune of Rs 105 million from the National Resilience Fund in a bid to support small sugarcane planters, announced the Attorney-General, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Maneesh Gobin, today, at the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority (MCIA) in Réduit.
The measure comprises the refund of Sugar Insurance Fund Board (SIFB) Premium to small planters that was deduced from the guaranteed price of Rs 25,000 per ton of sugar for crops 2019, 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, no deduction will be made in respect of SIFB premium and CESS for small planters in respect of Crop 2022.
Minister Gobin recalled that with a view to assist sugarcane planters to counter the drastic sugar price reduction since 2019, Government decided to set a price of Rs 25, 000 per ton of sugar for the first 60 tons of sugar accrued to them.
This unprecedented special price has been maintained for three consecutive years, he said adding that for calculation purposes, the amount payable as SIFB premium and CESS were met by Government and deducted from sugar price, as a result of which planters were receiving less than Rs 25, 000 per ton of sugar.
Thus, he indicated, small planters producing up to 60 tons of sugar will be refunded Rs 467.29 per ton sugar for crop 2019, Rs 591.47 for 2020 and Rs 1,403.38 for 2021 for the SIFB premium which was deduced in the guaranteed price of Rs 25,000 per ton of sugar.
“Government will not remain sensitive to the challenges faced by small planters and will continue to come up with solutions to sustain the sugarcane sector in Mauritius”, stated Minister Gobin.
He reassured the small planters community that Government will always support and assist them as evidenced by the various measures being elaborated namely the Mechanical Sugarcane Harvester; Advance Fertiliser Scheme for crop 2023; and ALMS-Cane Replanting Scheme.
Present at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the MCIA, Mr Satish Purmessur highlighted that the sugarcane industry has played a key role in shaping the socio- economic development of the country.
During the past 20 years, he observed, the sector has faced challenges such as high costs of transportation, strong competition on international markets, and huge costs of production.
He also dwelt on several budgetary measures including the Cane Replantation Scheme; Cane Replantation Revolving Fund; payment of 80% crop advance on the guaranteed price of sugar for crop 2022; and remuneration for bagasse at Rs 3,300 per ton of sugar.
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