The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is pursuing opportunities to produce more value-added products, including ethanol, refined sugar, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and biomass energy and cogeneration. This initiative aims to reduce risks related to market fluctuations and improve the corporation’s capacity to secure stable, long-term revenues, contributing to a resilient and diversified business in today’s rapidly evolving global economy.
Board chairman Nitya Reddy stated that the FSC was consulting with international agencies and bilateral partners for assistance in upgrading mills, skill development, and potential commercial joint ventures. He emphasized that the Fiji sugar industry has lost its competitive edge in the global market and requires immediate improvements across the entire production and manufacturing chain.
Mr. Reddy highlighted that significant investments would be necessary in technology, farming practices, mill operations, transport infrastructure, and workforce development due to the uncertainties regarding cane production, a decline in active growers, decreasing farming returns, and the need for diversification.
The company is currently reassessing its approach to the restructuring of mills and supporting infrastructure. Mr. Reddy indicated that due to the long-term implications and scale of these investments, careful evaluation by the board, in collaboration with experts and the government, is essential. He underscored the importance of avoiding hasty, short-term solutions driven by populism and expediency.