The Fiji Sugar Corporation may need to revise its sugar production estimates for the year, according to line minister Charan Jeath Singh. This potential adjustment is a result of the severe impacts caused by the ongoing prolonged dry spell affecting the sector.
Singh emphasized that the sugar sector relies heavily on sufficient rainfall for optimal growth. He stated that insufficient rainfall could lead to lower sugarcane yields, which would directly affect overall sugar production.
The minister held a closed-door meeting in the Drasa sector of Lautoka with various stakeholders to discuss the effects of the dry spell. Singh, who is also a sugar farmer, expressed his firsthand experience of how long dry periods impact the sugar cane industry.
He mentioned that the target of producing 1.7 million tonnes could be compromised, and indicated that they might be fortunate to reach only 1.6 million tonnes by year-end. Singh noted that Fiji is not alone in facing this issue, as other parts of the world are also experiencing similar challenges to sugar production due to adverse weather conditions.
He acknowledged that the prolonged dry conditions were beyond their control.