UNITY Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has expressed caution regarding the recommendation from Chinese experts to operate a single sugar mill in Fiji’s western region. Narube emphasized that such a proposal requires comprehensive evaluation and consultation with all stakeholders. He highlighted that milling is only one aspect of the sugar industry; important factors such as planting costs, harvesting, and transportation must also be taken into consideration.
The sugar sector has historically played a vital role in Fiji’s economy, supporting countless families despite facing declining production levels. Narube remarked on the need for tough choices to revitalize the industry while ensuring the livelihoods of those who depend on it are protected. He noted a consistent pattern where past governments have hesitated to make definitive decisions about the future of the sugar industry, even when similar global challenges confront sugar sectors worldwide.
Narube advocates for the exploration of more profitable alternatives to traditional sugarcane farming, suggesting that bringing in phased innovations could help rejuvenate the industry. His remarks align with a broader discourse in Fiji’s agricultural community, including recent calls from the Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) for reforms and strategies aimed at restructuring the sugar industry, such as establishing modern mills to improve efficiency.
This consensus among various industry stakeholders reflects a strong desire for proactivity and strategic thinking that could pave the way for not only sustainability but also enhanced profitability within the sector. The prevailing sentiment indicates that, despite the challenges, a collective approach focusing on collaboration, innovation, and accountability could lead to a more sustainable and robust sugar industry in Fiji.
Continued discussions around diversification and modernization of operations resonate hope for the future, emphasizing that an industry historically central to Fiji’s economy might yet chart a path to revival and resilience if addressed collaboratively.
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