The Sugar Cane Growers Fund CEO, Raj Sharma, has announced that sixteen sugarcane farms are currently available for mortgage sale, with nearly half of them already sold. Discussions regarding the fund’s efforts to address the seizure of properties focus on the need for continued advertising to find buyers for the remaining farms.
Sharma emphasized the importance of acting in good faith during the mortgage sale process, as the fund is obligated to secure the best price for the outgoing farmer or property owner while adhering to their fiduciary duties. He highlighted the transparency of the process, stating that farmers are informed about the tenders received and given an opportunity to settle any dues prior to the final sale of the properties.
This context adds a layer of urgency and significance to the ongoing discussions about farmer commitments within Fiji’s sugar industry. The previous statements made by Fiji’s Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, resonate with the current situation as he has recently emphasized the critical need for integrity among sugarcane farmers. Singh has warned farmers, particularly those delinquent on their loans, that they need to demonstrate genuine commitment to their agricultural responsibilities or vacate their land.
Fiji’s sugar industry has been facing a serious decline in production, with yields dropping from 100 tons per hectare to approximately 47 tons due to various factors such as poor management and insufficient support from the Fiji Sugar Corporation. The interdependence between farmer commitment and financial health is evident in both Sharma’s and Singh’s messages—accountability is crucial for revitalizing this vital agricultural sector.
The ongoing mortgage sales and call for improved farmer responsibility could lead to an opportunity for renewal in the sugarcane industry, allowing for more productive and dedicated individuals to take over the land and potentially restore higher yields in the future. This situation underscores the importance of transparency and integrity within the community, ensuring a brighter outlook for Fiji’s sugarcane sector.
Leave a comment