The Fiji Sugar Corporation has lowered its 2024 cane production forecast from 1.51 million tonnes to 1.30 million tonnes. This adjustment is due to drought-like conditions impacting the cane belts. CEO Bhan Singh noted that the original forecast made in November 2023 anticipated a production of 1.51 million tonnes. However, after conducting a farm-based assessment in collaboration with farmers and gang sirdars in February 2024, an increase to 1.56 million tonnes was briefly expected. Nonetheless, ongoing drought conditions have led to the revised projection of 1.30 million tonnes as of August 2024. The extended drought not only affects the current crop but also threatens the upcoming 2025 season’s crop, as poor planting during the critical months of March to July has been observed.