Fiji’s recent sugar cane payments, celebrated as record highs, have sparked concerns among farmers regarding the sustainability and reality of the industry, as highlighted by Opposition MP Viam Pillay. During a recent parliamentary address, Pillay indicated that the final payment of $105.08 per tonne primarily reflects high global sugar prices rather than any significant improvement in local agricultural productivity.
He voiced alarm over the continued decline in sugar cane tonnage and production, claiming the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is struggling to meet its export targets. The situation is exacerbated by increasing production costs and the rising cost of living, placing farmers in a challenging financial position. Pillay remarked that while the figures sound impressive on paper, the true situation tells a different story.
Reflecting on better times under the previous administration, which provided various subsidies for fertilizers, land development, and equipment, Pillay criticized the current government’s failure to fulfill commitments, particularly regarding the establishment of a new sugar mill in Rakiraki. He accused the Minister for Sugar of misleading farmers about prospects for revitalization through ethanol production.
This critical stance resonates with prior discussions on the sugar production sector in Fiji, which has been experiencing significant declines, currently estimated at only 1.6 million tonnes. Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, acknowledges the challenges, including a dwindling number of active farmers and issues with productivity. Singh has underscored the government’s ongoing support initiatives designed to strengthen the industry, even as they face hurdles like climate change and operational inefficiencies.
Amid these difficulties, the government’s continued financial support offers a ray of hope for revitalizing the sugar industry. Targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing farmer productivity and modernizing practices present an opportunity for recovery. The emphasis on strategic investments in infrastructure and support systems is vital to encouraging farmers to stay engaged in sugarcane production.
The ongoing dialogue in Parliament reflects the complex interplay between government policies, farmer welfare, and the overall state of Fiji’s sugar industry. There is a shared sense of hope that through collective efforts and unwavering commitment, sustainable solutions can be developed to secure the future of this essential agricultural sector.
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