Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh has recently called on members of the Opposition to engage more meaningfully with farmers rather than criticizing government efforts from a distance. Speaking in Parliament, Mr. Singh emphasized that many opposition members seem more preoccupied with social media discussions than grasping the real issues affecting sugarcane growers.
Mr. Singh urged these members, including MP Viam Pillay, to show the same level of concern for the ground realities faced by farmers that they exhibit in their public discourse. He encouraged them to visit the farms, meet with the growers, and share experiences directly in the cane fields rather than in urban settings like Lautoka City. Such interactions, he believes, would provide a better understanding of the conditions under which farmers operate.
In addition to this appeal, Minister Singh reported that the government has invested over $1.1 million to facilitate the transportation of sugarcane from the Rarawai Mill to Lautoka. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that the cane is crushed promptly, preventing potential losses for farmers within the Western Division. He noted that as of October 30, an estimated 194,440 tonnes of cane remain to be harvested in the Rarawai area, which is part of a larger seasonal estimate of 607,000 tonnes. Thus far, 412,560 tonnes, or 68 percent of the total crop, has been harvested.
Currently, the Lautoka Mill is processing approximately 25,000 tonnes of cane weekly, with an average of 2,400 tonnes being transferred daily from the Rarawai region. As of now, a total of 74,494 tonnes has already been successfully moved for processing, highlighting the government’s active steps to maintain the flow of cane during this crucial period.
The context of Singh’s remarks aligns with ongoing concerns regarding the support for farmers and operational efficiencies within Fiji’s sugar industry. Previous discussions have indicated frustrations over insufficient infrastructure and payments. For instance, opposition member Viam Pillay has raised alarms about the declining cane payments, which have fallen significantly compared to previous years, further stressing farmers’ financial situations as they approach the harvesting season.
Amidst these challenges, Singh pointed out the importance of modernizing farming practices to boost yields and make better use of available land, which echoes sentiments voiced by industry stakeholders about the need for sustainable practices. As the government engages with the farming community to address these issues comprehensively, there is cautious optimism that collaboration can pave the way for a more robust sugar sector in Fiji, ultimately supporting farmers’ livelihoods.
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