Close to half of the loans provided to agricultural Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Fiji have been directed towards sugarcane farmers, aiming to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and boost the livelihoods of these farmers. However, ongoing issues within the sugar industry have prompted the MSME Council to advocate for broader financial support that extends beyond just sugarcane cultivation.
Watisoni Nata, the Council Chair, emphasized the need for legislative reforms to enhance the ease of doing business, thereby improving overall industry growth. He noted that addressing these barriers is critical, and he expressed intentions to push for diversification incentives that would expand MSMEs into sectors such as organic farming, fisheries, and agritech.
The recent challenges in Fiji’s sugar industry have been highlighted by various stakeholders, including Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who has acknowledged that the ministry’s upcoming budget will prioritize the growth of the MSME sector. Kamikamica aims to increase the contribution of MSMEs to Fiji’s GDP from 18% to 30% within the next five to ten years, underscoring the importance of comprehensive policy efforts and strategic direction in achieving this ambitious goal.
Past articles have also addressed the significant decline in sugar production, which has fallen to approximately 1.6 million tonnes, a stark contrast to the peak of 3.2 million tonnes in 2006. Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, has expressed concerns over the industry’s viability under current conditions. Despite governmental support, the sugar sector is challenged by a dwindling number of active farmers and outdated practices, necessitating a substantial shift towards modernization and diversification.
In light of these challenges, there is a growing sense of optimism surrounding the initiatives aimed at revitalizing the sugar industry and empowering MSMEs to thrive in other agricultural areas. With focused efforts on diversification, financial education, and regulatory improvements, Fiji has the potential to foster a more resilient agricultural sector that supports the livelihoods of many families and contributes positively to the national economy.
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