Fiji’s ailing sugar industry continues to face a steep decline as production figures dwindle and the new Coalition Government is looking at ways in which it can resurrect what was once the leading earner in our economy.
Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh who is currently on a tour in the northern cane belts meeting key stakeholders, says the drastic decline in cane production over the years is proof of the detriment that’s rife in the industry.
Singh has been meeting with the executives of the Fiji Sugar Corporation, the Sugar Research Institute, the Sugar Cane Growers Council and the Sugar Tribunal and says that he has a fair idea of what needs to be done.
“I have been speaking to the executives of the FSC board, and they have briefed me that FSC has to be remodelled so that we can bring the farmer’s glory back, bring the industry back to its normal footing and let it be an independent body, where it does not need to be financed by the Government, but by itself,” Singh said.
“We want a win–win situation, where landowners are happy with the payment of leases, and we give a better return to farmers on the other hand.”
The Ministry of Sugar has indicated that part of its plan is privatising the Fiji Sugar Corporation.
“There are also plans to improve the railway system, as transportation during harvesting season was very costly to both farmers and millers,” the Minister added.
He is touring the North for the next couple of days with the Assistant Minister for Sugar, Jovesa Vocea.
