The sugar industry in Fiji has fallen short of its expected cane production for the current crushing season, as reported by Vinesh Kumar, CEO of the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji. This shortfall is attributed to various challenges faced by farmers, with climate change being identified as the most significant threat to the sector.
Kumar emphasized that efforts are underway to understand and address these challenges. As the Labasa Mill is set to close this Friday, marking the conclusion of the 2024 crushing season, Kumar noted that farmers are also facing difficulties in accessing new plants. To tackle these issues, the Institute is collaborating with farmers and stakeholders to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming planting season.
Additionally, Raj Sharma, CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Fund, pointed out that delays in crop harvesting among some farmers, exacerbated by a prolonged dry spell in the Western and Northern divisions, have contributed to the production shortfall. A lack of available laborers and limited resources have been ongoing challenges for farmers in maximizing their production during the crushing seasons.
Despite these hurdles, initiatives are being put in place to provide better support for farmers and enhance production capacity in the future. With concerted efforts from various stakeholders, the hope is to revitalize the industry’s productivity and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
This situation underscores the importance of adaptability and collaboration among farmers, researchers, and policymakers to bolster the sugar industry in Fiji moving forward.
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