The Fijian government, in collaboration with the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and the Sugar Cane Growers Council, is taking swift action to ensure that 400,000 tonnes of unharvested cane from Rarawai to Lautoka are processed without delay. Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, affirmed this during his visit to the Rarawai Mill in Ba, following a recent fire.
The fire at the Rarawai Mill has necessitated a strategic response to prevent disruptions in sugar cane processing. Professor Prasad, alongside Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their prompt actions and reassured the sector of the government’s commitment to maintaining its stability. Professor Prasad announced a $15 per tonne transport assistance to ease the financial burden on farmers now diverting their cane to the Lautoka Mill. The additional assistance, combined with the average $33 per tonne farmers were already receiving, aims to alleviate the impact of rerouting logistical challenges.
Investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing, with the FSC mobilizing teams to assess damages and obtain necessary repair parts. The expectation is that the Rarawai Mill could be operational by late November, with regular crushing operations resuming in December. In the interim, should repairs extend beyond January, the Lautoka Mill is set to handle all remaining cane, ensuring no backlog in processing.
Looking back at previous challenges, this incident at Rarawai is not isolated. The mill has a history of operational difficulties, particularly with its boiler system. The disruption emphasizes the critical need for enhanced safety protocols and maintenance procedures within Fiji’s sugar industry.
Recent similar articles indicate that despite these operational hurdles, the ongoing and combined efforts from various stakeholders demonstrate a shared commitment to fostering resilience in the sugar sector. There is optimism that, through improved infrastructure, collaboration, and robust safety measures, Fiji’s sugar industry will continue to thrive.
The measures undertaken reflect a broader positive outlook for Fiji’s sugar cane industry, as the government and stakeholders emphasize stability and sustainability, ensuring continuity for the economy and livelihoods reliant on this pivotal industry.
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