Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo has robustly defended the Coalition Government amid criticism regarding its management of the sugar industry, highlighting significant improvements in cane payments and production over the past three years. In a response to Opposition MP Jone Usamate, Vosarogo noted that during the 2025 crushing season, an impressive 1.48 million tonnes of sugar cane were harvested despite facing numerous challenges, including a fire incident at the Rarawai mill, labour shortages, and logistical difficulties.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the government has recorded the highest cane payments in Fiji’s history, with growers receiving $91.38 per tonne in 2022, which rose to $105.08 per tonne in 2023, and was slightly adjusted to $101.13 per tonne in 2024. These achievements were complemented by new incentives, harvesting support programs, and enhanced farmer assistance schemes aimed at modernizing the industry through investments in mechanisation.
“These are measurable outcomes, not rhetoric, something Hon Usamate and his FijiFirst government did not even dare to do,” Vosarogo asserted. He firmly rejected assertions that standing cane resulted from ministerial neglect, attributing the issue to a combination of accidental and external factors alongside operational challenges.
Despite a tumultuous season, the mills processed more cane than in the previous year’s total of 1.33 million tonnes. Government interventions included extending crushing periods and implementing a $15 per tonne transport subsidy, in addition to supporting manual labour through the Fiji Correction Services, and the strategic use of mechanical harvesters.
Acknowledging the realities of the industry, Vosarogo pointed out that standover cane is a recurring issue, even during past government terms. He also mentioned the ongoing challenges linked to aging mill infrastructure, explaining that mills have been operating at a financial loss to support growers. “It is also a fact that mills have incurred significant costs due to inconsistent cane supply, have remained open beyond scheduled closure dates at financial loss to accommodate growers, and have continued operating even during periods of very poor TCTS, beyond 25 tonnes,” he said.
This commitment to the sugar industry illustrates the government’s determination to enhance the livelihoods of growers while navigating complex challenges. The proactive measures undertaken by the government signal a positive outlook for the sugar sector as it strives for modernization and efficiency.
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