A recent study commissioned by the Fijian Government and conducted by consultants from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has revealed that efforts to revitalize Fiji’s sugar industry have not been successful. The investigation, led by Poonyth Daneswar and Jolly Lindsay, was aimed at understanding the sector’s challenges and was undertaken over a four-month period, during which the consultants engaged with stakeholders including industry representatives and farmers.
The findings, presented to various government ministries and industry stakeholders on December 16, 2024, highlighted several key issues. Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh noted that inefficient management throughout the supply chain and high production costs were significant barriers to increasing output. Furthermore, unresolved issues with expiring land leases and under-utilized agricultural areas have deterred inbound investments and hindered long-term strategic planning.
The study also pointed out that overlapping responsibilities among various organizations have resulted in inefficiencies and stunted necessary reforms. The industry’s heavy dependence on raw sugar exports has made it particularly susceptible to fluctuations in global market prices. Nevertheless, there remains untapped potential in diversifying into ethanol production, biomass cogeneration, and other bioproducts.
Additionally, the report underscored the impact of severe weather events on sugar production, emphasizing the urgent need for the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices to safeguard the future of the industry.
Despite the challenges highlighted in the study, there is a silver lining. The identification of untapped opportunities within the industry, particularly in bioproducts and sustainable practices, could pave the way for future growth and resilience. By addressing the outlined inefficiencies and investing in innovation, Fiji’s sugar industry could potentially emerge stronger and more diversified in the coming years.
In summary, while the immediate findings of the study indicate systematic issues within Fiji’s sugar industry, they also present a hopeful outlook for reform and advancement, positioning the industry to adapt and thrive amidst existing challenges.
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