Fiji’s Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, has attributed the current infrastructure failures in the country’s sugar industry to the inaction of previous governments. During a recent parliamentary session, he responded to Opposition member Viam Pillay’s inquiries about broadening ethanol production, emphasizing that significant challenges faced by the industry remain unresolved.
Singh highlighted a critical dilemma: the dismantling of the Rakiraki Mill, questioning why prior administrations failed to act while the industry’s viability was at stake. He expressed that diversification into ethanol production is not currently feasible due to insufficient cane availability to support both traditional sugar output and ethanol simultaneously.
A feasibility study conducted by the Asian Development Bank, Fiji Airways, and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) showed potential for ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in Fiji, contingent on establishing a robust sugarcane yield. Singh pointed out that addressing fundamental issues—such as land tenure, labor shortages, mill infrastructure, and boosting farmers’ confidence—are priorities that must be met before any diversification can be realized.
He believes that if the industry can achieve an annual increase of 200,000 tonnes of cane for three consecutive years, it could make significant strides toward ethanol production. Singh also noted the current economic landscape, explaining that while ethanol prices may be higher than raw sugar, the actual benefits of producing ethanol from sugarcane remain marginal.
As the global push for cleaner and more sustainable energy sources intensifies, Singh stressed the need for Fiji’s sugar industry to prepare for future opportunities. He underscored the importance of increasing sugarcane cultivation, stating that without it, there cannot be ethanol, diversification, or future profits.
Reflecting on prior discussions about Fiji’s sugar industry, both past and present, there is a collective acknowledgment of the necessity for modernization and strategic solutions that might help revitalize the sector. Despite the significant challenges, Singh’s comments suggest a potential pathway forward through collaborative efforts and renewed focus on foundational issues within Fiji’s sugar industry.
This renewed commitment to improving the sugar sector brings a degree of optimism for its future, with the hope that proper planning and investments will enable it to reclaim a pivotal role in Fiji’s economy.
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