The latest annual report from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) highlights a troubling trend regarding the delivery of burnt sugarcane, with little improvement seen over the past five years. According to FSC CEO Bhan Singh, the report indicates that the proportion of burnt cane delivered to the corporation’s mills has remained steady, fluctuating between 44% and 56% since 2020, with the 2024 figure stagnant at 54%.
This consistency suggests that significant progress toward changing the long-standing practice of pre-harvest burning, which negatively impacts both the quality and yield of sugar, has not been achieved. The Lautoka and Rarawai mill areas have consistently reported the highest rates of burnt cane, with Lautoka reaching a peak of 62% in 2020 and again hitting 61% in 2024. Rarawai also recorded its highest level of 62% in 2024.
On the other hand, the Labasa mill area, while generally lower in burnt cane delivery, experienced a concerning increase, escalating from 30% in 2022 to 46% in 2021, and slightly decreasing to 44% in 2024.
To address the persistent issue of cane burning, Mr. Singh emphasized the need for legislative amendments to the Master Award, the primary legal framework that governs Fiji’s sugar industry. A review of the Master Award is anticipated soon, which may pave the way for necessary changes to improve harvesting practices and reduce the reliance on burning cane prior to harvest.
Efforts to adapt and modernize harvesting methods could ultimately lead to a more sustainable sugar industry in Fiji, benefiting both producers and consumers. As the conversation around these legislative changes unfolds, there is hope that the industry will move toward better practices that enhance sugar quality and yield.
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