Pre-season cane burning poses a direct threat to Fiji’s sugar industry as government and farmers race to contain a pattern that could depress global prices and dent farmer incomes. Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh, speaking in Rakiraki, warned that the fires are no longer isolated incidents but a sector-wide risk, even as he distributed the Pre-Season Burnt Cane Rehabilitation Grant to five affected Rakiraki farmers.
Burns are damaging cane quality and complicating the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s ability to secure reliable buyers. If the practice continues, Fiji risks lower returns on the world market and reduced income for farmers across the country. Minister Singh urged growers to take responsibility and act decisively to end the burning, emphasizing that the hardship caused by destroyed crops is acknowledged and that government support is targeted, not merely symbolic.
The rehabilitation grant signals a broader government commitment to help affected growers recover and replant. While the grant may seem modest, it is part of a larger plan to build resilience in Fiji’s sugar sector. The ministry has outlined 12 programs for the current financial year designed to support farmers and boost production, including a revised Cane Planting Grant aimed at productive farmers capable of delivering stronger returns.
In support of broader relief, recent reports indicate that a separate rehabilitation package of 650 dollars per acre has been approved for farmers whose crops were burned before the crushing season. This measure complements other assistance and reflects a systematic approach to offset losses and prepare fields for the next cycle. Earlier updates also noted that about 4,950 tonnes of cane were lost to fires across roughly 170 acres, underscoring the scale of the challenge this season.
To strengthen monitoring and enforcement, the Ministry of Sugar Industry has proposed additional measures such as enhanced patrols, stricter enforcement of laws, and public awareness campaigns in cooperation with the Fiji Sugar Corporation and local policing teams. There is also a push for more accountability, with calls for tougher penalties for arson and criminal burning of cane fields. The Sugar Research Institute of Fiji has long warned that such acts threaten both farmers and essential agricultural research, highlighting the need for community vigilance and fast reporting of suspicious activity.
Government and industry groups are increasingly aligning on a strategy that includes technology-driven surveillance and community engagement. Plans to deploy drones and AI-assisted monitoring aim to detect nighttime activity and deter arson, while farmers are encouraged to harvest green cane over burnt cane to improve recovery and sugar quality. The Sugar Cane Growers Council has endorsed the rehabilitation package and stressed that cane burning is a criminal act that disrupts livelihoods and the region’s economy.
Looking ahead, the authorities are hopeful that coordinated action and ongoing support will stabilize production and protect Fiji’s sugar industry. The government has outlined a broader goal of increasing annual sugar production by about 200,000 tonnes over the next five years, signaling a serious push to revitalize the sector despite today’s challenges. As part of this effort, farmers and stakeholders are urged to stay vigilant, report suspicious activity, and participate in community-driven initiatives to safeguard crops and research.
Milling season updates from recent weeks indicate the Lautoka Mill, Labasa Mill, and Rarawai Mill are pivotal to the harvest timeline, making timely protection of canefields even more critical. With government backing, industry reforms, and a renewed focus on prevention and rapid response, there remains a path toward recovery and a more resilient, productive sugar sector for Fiji.
Summary: Fiji’s sugar industry faces a serious threat from pre-season cane fires, but a coordinated government response—comprising targeted grants, a broad rehabilitation package, enhanced enforcement, and technology-led monitoring—aims to protect farmers, stabilize production, and foster long-term growth. The situation remains challenging, but the focus on resilience and modernization offers a hopeful path forward for the sector.
Additional value notes:
– If you’re a farmer seeking help, check whether you’re eligible for the 650 per acre rehabilitation grant and other support programs announced this year.
– Community members should report suspicious activity to local authorities to help prevent arson and protect livelihoods.
– For ongoing coverage and practical farmer-focused guidance, watch for updates on grant disbursement timelines and application processes as the 12-program framework unfolds.
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