The government of Fiji has announced support measures for sugarcane farmers impacted by a recent fire at the Rarawai Sugar Mill in Ba. A compensation of $15 per tonne will be provided for cane redirected to the Lautoka Sugar Mill due to the fire’s disruption. This financial aid was confirmed by Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh during his visit to the damaged mill alongside Acting Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad.
The visit was conducted to assess the damage and provide assurance to stakeholders such as farmers, mill workers, and members of the Rarawai Lorry Drivers Association, emphasizing the government’s commitment to continue harvesting operations despite the setback. Minister Singh assured that all cane would be harvested this season, indicating the government’s dedication to supporting farmers during this challenging period. The Lautoka Sugar Mill will now process cane from Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki, with logistic support from the government and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC).
The $15 per tonne compensation is aimed at offsetting increased transportation costs due to the diversion of cane to Lautoka. Near 400,000 tonnes of cane are still to be harvested from the Rarawai and Lautoka mill areas. Additionally, Minister Singh guaranteed job security for FSC employees, confirming that no jobs would be lost due to the fire.
This response follows previous incidents and strategic interventions to stabilize Fiji’s sugar industry, emphasizing safety protocols, maintenance, and infrastructure improvements in response to recurring operational challenges. Collaborative efforts from the FSC, government entities, and industry stakeholders are geared towards enhancing resilience and productivity while safeguarding community livelihoods.
The coordinated actions reflect a proactive approach to surmounting industry hurdles and sustaining economic stability within Fiji’s sugar industry, which plays a crucial role in the nation’s economic health and community welfare. There is optimism that these efforts will not only help mitigate the immediate impacts of the fire but also pave the way for long-term resilience and prosperity in the sugar sector.
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