Fiji’s sugar industry is facing critical challenges that require strategic policy interventions, according to Raj Sharma, CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Fund. During his recent appearance on The Lens@177, Sharma emphasized the importance of two key initiatives: reversing urbanization and right-sizing the sugar industry.
Sharma highlighted the need to incentivize people living in urban squatter settlements to engage in agricultural work, particularly on sugarcane farms. He suggested offering packages to encourage their return to farming, asserting that such measures could benefit both the sugar sector and agriculture overall.
Moreover, he discussed the ongoing review of the Sugar Cane Growers Act, which was approved by the Ministry of Sugar. This review aims to enhance the fund’s governance structure and introduce greater flexibility in investments and loans, ultimately promoting sustainability within the industry.
Echoing sentiments from previous discussions about the industry, Sharma noted the aging workforce and declining interest among younger generations to pursue careers in sugar farming. Recent reports underscore this labor shortage, with many young people opting for more lucrative opportunities elsewhere, contributing to a decline in sugarcane production.
Despite these challenges, Sharma maintained an optimistic outlook, drawing attention to the guaranteed market provided by the Fiji Sugar Corporation. He expressed hope that targeted reforms, coupled with collective action among stakeholders—including government, farmers, and industry leaders—could revitalize the sugar sector, which remains vital to Fiji’s economy and many families’ livelihoods.
By fostering systematic changes such as mechanization and collaboration to attract younger talent back into the industry, there is potential for sustainable growth and a brighter future for Fiji’s sugar industry. These efforts underscore a promising pathway toward rejuvenating one of the nation’s most significant agricultural sectors.
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