The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is poised to fulfill its export quotas and ensure timely financial compensations to farmers despite facing challenges such as mill disruptions and fluctuations in the global market. This assurance was given by Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs, during a parliamentary session in response to queries from Opposition MP Viam Pillay.
Minister Singh emphasized the FSC’s steadfast commitment to meet its export obligations for the 2025 season and to uphold a punctual payment schedule for farmers. He highlighted that the corporation has already completed two significant shipments: 9,425 tonnes of sugar to the United States under a specific tariff quota and 38,000 tonnes to the United Kingdom, with another shipment to the UK scheduled for mid-December.
Singh attributed FSC’s resilience amidst global price fluctuations to its diversified market strategy, allowing the corporation to maintain long-lasting relationships with buyers in the UK, Europe, Asia, and the United States. He noted that sugar sales are managed through international brokers to secure optimal pricing at the time of shipping, ensuring financial benefits for the company and its stakeholders.
Over the past five years, FSC has reliably met or surpassed its US quota allocations, demonstrating its capability to adapt and thrive in a competitive market. Opposition MPs raised concerns about payments to farmers and the impact of penalties tied to burnt-cane deductions. In response, Singh acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers but clarified that such penalties are dictated by the Master Award and noted that the government is collaborating with the Sugar Tribunal on necessary amendments to address these issues.
He reassured MPs that the final payment for the previous season has already been processed on time and, despite concerns over potential mill shutdowns, he confirmed that FSC is well-equipped and has ample time to complete the cane crushing required to meet export deadlines. This proactive approach reflects FSC’s commitment not only to its farmers but to the sustainability of Fiji’s sugar industry.
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