Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, has assured Parliament that farmers, cane cutters, and transport operators affected by the recent fire at the Rarawai Mill are receiving crucial financial and logistical support to mitigate the disruption caused by the incident. Responding to a question from Opposition MP Viam Pillay, Singh acknowledged the “significant disruption to harvesting and transportation operations” that has impacted local cane cutters and transport logistics.
The Ministry, in collaboration with the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and the Sugar Cane Growers Council, is actively working to minimize the effects of the fire through a series of targeted interventions. Prior to the blaze, 380 gangs comprising around 2,964 cane cutters were operational. However, the fire directly impacted 71 gangs, leaving 532 cutters unable to work halfway through the harvesting season. Currently, 355 gangs remain functional, with approximately 2,485 cutters back to work through remedial arrangements.
Significantly, around 18,000 tonnes of cane have been affected due to labor shortages, prompting the Ministry and FSC to mobilize mechanical harvesters and laborers from nearby areas, including the Lautoka Mill region, to maintain harvesting operations.
In terms of transport, the number of engaged lorries has decreased from 503 to 442 due to operational issues. Minister Singh reported that about 60 lorries are temporarily out of service, which impacts transport capacity significantly, as those still operational are functioning at only 35-40 percent of capacity due to reduced crushing needs.
Singh noted that 36 co-operatives were functioning before the fire, with 30 still operational albeit at a diminished capacity ranging from 35-40 percent. To help alleviate the financial burden on farmers transferring cane from the Rarawai Mill to the Lautoka Mill, the government implemented a cane transfer allowance of $15 per tonne. Additionally, a Rail Growers’ Conversion Allowance has been introduced to help rail growers switching to lorry transport, with the costs covered by the FSC.
These financial aids are part of broader strategic measures aimed at ensuring no unexpected costs are passed onto growers during this challenging period. Alongside monetary support, the Ministry and FSC are also offering logistical assistance, including the deployment of mechanical harvesters and reallocating transport resources.
Continuous coordination between various stakeholders, including the FSC, Growers Council, and local contractors, is critical to ensuring the effective movement of cane while minimizing delays. The government’s proactive response demonstrates a commitment to stabilizing the sugar industry in Fiji, addressing the immediate impacts of the fire, and enhancing the resilience of the sector against future challenges. This collective effort reflects an optimistic outlook for the future of Fiji’s sugarcane industry, emphasizing the importance of support measures for farmers and the overall vitality of the sector in the nation’s economy.
Leave a comment