Fiji’s Sugar Industry at a Crossroads: Are We Witnessing Its Last Generation?

Former Fiji Sugar Corporation board member and prominent sugarcane farmer, Arvind Singh from Yalalevu, expresses alarm about the future of Fiji’s sugar industry, asserting that the current generation of sugarcane farmers may be the last. With his own 50-acre farm yielding over 1,300 tonnes of sugarcane annually, Mr. Singh shares a growing concern that younger generations are increasingly abandoning sugarcane farming in favor of more urban opportunities.

Singh highlights a trend among farmers, with many over the age of 50 expressing disinterest in passing down the farming legacy due to their children’s lack of interest in sugarcane cultivation. He emphasizes that raising cane prices—even to $200 a tonne—would not entice the younger generation back to the fields. “They are not bothered. They want to move out and work outside the sector,” Singh lamented, noting that his family’s deep-rooted history in sugar farming appears to be facing an uncertain future.

These concerns resonate with ongoing discussions within Fiji’s agricultural community, including warnings from Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh, who recently urged farmers to commit to their farming responsibilities or vacate their land. This call comes amidst significant declines in sugarcane yields, shifting from an average of 100 tons per hectare in past years to around 47 tons. The Minister has expressed that improved accountability and better land management practices are essential to address these declines and revitalize the industry.

Concerned over the implications of a failing sugar sector, Mr. Singh warns that the diminishment of the industry would burden the Fijian government with increased social welfare demands, as many farmers still rely heavily on cane production for their livelihoods. To counter these challenges, he advocates for stakeholders in the sugar industry to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at restoring vitality to this vital sector.

Despite these worrying developments, there remains a glimmer of hope for the sugarcane industry in Fiji. By fostering new partnerships and inviting younger generations to explore innovative agricultural practices, there is potential for revitalizing the sector and securing a more sustainable future for both farmers and the industry. A collaborative approach among farmers, government, and industry leaders may pave the way for renewed interest in sugarcane farming, ensuring that it does not fade into the annals of history.