The National Farmers Union (NFU) has raised alarming concerns regarding the ongoing operational issues at the Lautoka Sugar Mill in Fiji, pointing out that no sugar has been produced since the mill commenced operations on June 12. NFU General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhry criticized the management for what he termed an “ongoing disaster,” citing six stoppages in the last two weeks and wasted cane due to mechanical failures.
Chaudhry highlighted that the mill’s persistent troubles, including recurring boiler and diffuser issues, have led to overflowing cane juice and bagasse as waste. He expressed worries over the lack of transparency from the mill management, as there have been no weekly crush reports issued to indicate how much cane has been processed, resulting in substantial losses for both farmers and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC).
Chaudhry called the lack of accountability from the FSC management and the Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh a sheer act of incompetence. He insists that if the mill continues to operate inefficiently, farmers will face significant losses, as their trucks remain parked for days with unprocessed sugarcane.
In light of these challenges, farmers from the regions of Ba, Tavua, and Ra are worried about potential similar failures at the Rarawai Mill, which is slated to start operations later this month. Chaudhry urged Prime Minister’s intervention to hold responsible parties accountable, suggesting that it’s time for new leadership that can efficiently manage the operations critical to the sugar industry’s success.
This current crisis underscores ongoing themes noted in previous discussions about the sugar mills in Fiji. In similar reports, stakeholders like Rakiraki businessman George Shiu Raj have echoed concerns about the viability of the Lautoka Mill. He emphasized that the government has invested considerable resources into repairs, yet the mill continues to struggle with operational efficiency, raising doubts among farmers about supplying their cane for processing.
Despite the reported difficulties, the resilience of farmers remains evident, as they advocate for improvements and express a willingness to collaborate in order to find a long-term solution. As the discussion unfolds around potential investments in modern milling facilities, there is hope that proactive measures can lead to a more stable future for Fiji’s sugar industry. Collaborative efforts and accountability among stakeholders could pave the way to effectively addressing these ongoing challenges, ensuring a more prosperous environment for farmers and the sugar cane supply chain.
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