The Minister for Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, has once again urged sugarcane farmers producing under 50 tonnes of sugarcane to vacate their lands. Speaking in parliament, he reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting those who achieve higher yields in a bid to enhance productivity within the sector.
This call comes amidst a push for increased accountability and integrity in Fiji’s sugar industry, notably after a recent incident involving four farmers who claimed they were barred from accessing land for cultivation. Singh emphasized the necessity of separating political influences from agricultural practices, stating, “Do not try to politicise things with the sugarcane farmers… every time politics, politics, where did the industry end up?” He highlighted that the elections for the Sugar Cane Growers’ Council will prioritize transparency and credibility moving forward.
Singh’s advocacy for accountability is part of a broader initiative to combat the challenges facing Fiji’s sugar industry, which has faced declining yields from an average of 100 tons per hectare down to approximately 47 tons. He has criticized the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) for its insufficient support and has called for improved agricultural techniques and increased mechanization.
By fostering a culture of responsibility among farmers and focusing on integrity within the industry, Singh remains hopeful that Fiji’s sugarcane sector can experience revitalization. With a concerted effort toward these improvements, there is optimism that the industry can regain stability and better serve the nation’s agricultural needs.
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