Fiji’s Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, recently faced criticism in Parliament regarding the prolonged delays in the arrival of a tramline maintenance team, initially promised within “a couple of weeks” but which has now extended into years. Opposition MP Viam Pillay highlighted this inconsistency, suggesting that by 2026, Singh will be out of Parliament while farmers continue to grapple with the issues at hand.
Pillay referenced Singh’s prior statements from February 2025, where he outlined ambitious plans for a railway system connecting Rakiraki to Lautoka, designed to facilitate the transportation of both cargo and sugarcane. However, as time has passed, the promised team has yet to materialize and skepticism about the government’s intentions has grown.
Furthermore, Pillay expressed concerns over Singh’s comments regarding absentee farmers who reside abroad. Singh has suggested reclaiming unused land from farmers not cultivating their lands, arguing this is necessary to boost productivity. Pillay countered this, questioning the minister’s right to advise the Ministry of Lands on this issue, asserting that these absentee farmers legally hold rights to their leased land. He emphasized the need for the sugar industry to transition to more modern and efficient farming practices while criticizing Singh’s track record on this front, citing failures to support farmers effectively.
In response, Singh pointed to the electoral support he received compared to that of Pillay, claiming his position reflects his accountability to the voters. He also expressed hope that increased engagement from local farmers could lead to a revitalized sugar industry amid challenges, including declining yields and the pressing need to modernize farming practices.
This discussion reflects ongoing tensions regarding the future of Fiji’s sugar industry, which has faced significant challenges in recent years, attributed to poor management, political strife, and external economic pressures. Notably, Singh has previously highlighted the need to address internal politics that have adversely affected farmer productivity.
Despite these issues, there remains a sense of optimism that with concerted efforts to reinvigorate the industry and address the concerns of farmers, there could be a path forward to foster growth and sustainability in Fiji’s vital sugarcane sector. Addressing these challenges collaboratively may lead to improved conditions for farmers and enhance the overall agricultural landscape in the region.
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