Fiji sugar harvest tight deadline as farmers race to finish in 78 days

Sugarcane farmers in Fiji are facing a tight timeline as they have been given less than 80 days to complete this season’s harvest. Dr. Vinesh Kumar, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Sugar Industry, has expressed optimism about achieving the harvesting goals, despite over 1,600 farmers yet to begin their work.

This season, Viti Levu has already harvested 650,000 tonnes of sugarcane, with a remaining target of approximately 295,000 tonnes to be collected in the next 78 days. Dr. Kumar noted that while the task is substantial, the combined efforts of all stakeholders in the sugar industry will be crucial for success. He mentioned that around 150,000 tonnes of sugarcane remain on the fields and are expected to be ready for harvest by year-end.

Challenges persist, particularly in addressing the overall productivity of farmers. Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh voiced concerns about stagnant yields, indicating that the average output of 47 tonnes per hectare has remained unchanged for the past 15 years. He urged farmers to double their harvests to drive stronger results.

Adding to the industry’s hurdles, delays in crushing operations were caused by a fire at the Rarawai Mill in Ba. Repairs are projected to be completed by December, allowing harvesting and crushing activities to resume without further interruptions.

This situation follows a backdrop of improvements and previous seasons where significant gains were made in cane production, reflecting a resilient effort from farmers against various challenges such as climate change and operational inefficiencies. The government’s commitment to supporting farmers through grants and programs has thus far provided some hope for revitalizing the sugar industry moving forward.

While farmers grapple with the immediate challenges of this season, the collective spirit of the community, alongside governmental support, builds a hopeful outlook for the sugarcane sector in Fiji. As the season progresses, collaboration and hard work may lead the way to a successful harvest, ultimately benefiting both farmers and the wider agricultural landscape.