The future of Fiji’s sugar industry appears precarious as a significant number of sugarcane leases in the North are set to expire in the coming years. Reveni Rakasalu, the provincial administrator for Macuata, has expressed serious concerns, noting that a total of 419 leases covering 6,630.7 hectares are due to lapse within the next six years. This year’s expiration alone will see 89 leases covering 3,798.3 hectares come to an end, raising alarm about the potential weakening of the sugar industry’s backbone in the region.
The situation could deteriorate, with 52 leases set to expire next year and an additional 89 by 2030. Currently, there are 3,041 active leases in Macuata, with 473 designated for iTaukei and 2,568 for non-iTaukei sugarcane farms. Rakasalu emphasized the urgency of renewing these leases, asserting that failure to do so might severely impact sugar production.
In recent years, the Labasa mill has processed over 1.13 million tonnes of cane and produced thousands of tonnes of sugar. However, Rakasalu noted a sharp decline in cane crushing figures for the current year, with only 494,495 tonnes crushed thus far, resulting in 47,692 tonnes of sugar. This decline is concerning compared to the previous years’ figures, which reached 555,716 tonnes in 2023 and 575,068 tonnes in 2024.
The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has set ambitious targets for cane planting, aiming for 610,000 tonnes this year and reaching 850,000 tonnes by 2030, contingent upon lease renewals. Rakasalu has called upon landowners to work collaboratively with farmers to prevent the decline of an industry vital to the province’s economy.
The challenges faced by Fiji’s sugar industry are not isolated. Similar concerns have echoed across various reports highlighting issues like absentee farmers, high operational costs, and the need for improved land management. Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, has also urged absentee farmers to consider surrendering their leases if they are not actively cultivating the land, as unproductive properties hamper the industry’s potential.
Despite the daunting realities, there remains hope for revitalization through collaborative efforts between government and farmers, strategic planning, and exploration of new agricultural practices. By fostering a sustainable environment for sugarcane production, there is a pathway towards not only preserving but enhancing the sugar sector in Fiji, potentially leading it to reclaim its pivotal role in the nation’s economy. Such collaborative initiatives could be crucial in addressing the challenges faced and ensuring a brighter future for both farmers and the broader agricultural landscape in Fiji.
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