The Fiji Sugar Corporation has lowered its forecast for cane production in 2024 from an initial estimate of 1.51 million tonnes to 1.30 million tonnes. The company cited drought-like conditions in the cane-growing regions as the primary reason for this decrease.
CEO Bhan Singh noted that the original forecast made in November 2023 anticipated a production of 1.51 million tonnes. A follow-up field assessment conducted in February 2024, in collaboration with farmers and gang leaders, suggested a potential increase to 1.56 million tonnes. However, due to persistent drought conditions, the projection was revised down again to 1.30 million tonnes as of August 2024.
Singh warned that the ongoing drought not only impacts the current year’s crop but also threatens the 2025 season’s production, as the drought has adversely affected planting during the critical months of March through July.