Fiji’s Minister for Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, has urged sugarcane farmers living overseas to consider giving up their land leases, as many of them are not actively cultivating their properties. During a recent press conference, Singh expressed that these absentee farmers are unintentionally affecting local agricultural productivity. He plans to work with the Ministers for iTaukei Affairs and Lands to identify those farmers who are failing to farm their leased lands.
Feedback from farming communities has indicated challenges in renewing leases due to the presence of unproductive lands owned by absent farmers. This issue is particularly concerning as it has resulted in valuable agricultural land remaining unused, leading to lost opportunities for sugarcane production.
Singh’s current position is consistent with earlier statements where he highlighted the urgent need for accountability in the sugar industry. The sector has experienced a concerning decline in yields, with production dropping from an average of 100 tons per hectare to about 47 tons. Factors contributing to this downturn include inadequate support from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and ineffective land management practices.
In response to Singh’s statements, Mahendra Chaudhry, general secretary of the National Farmers Union, defended the rights of absentee farmers, emphasizing that they possess the same legal entitlements as other landowners. He cautioned that Singh’s remarks could jeopardize agricultural stability and security, especially amid ongoing challenges related to lease renewals.
Despite the challenges facing the sector, Singh is optimistic that increased engagement from dedicated local farmers may pave the way for enhanced productivity and revitalization of Fiji’s sugarcane industry. Such a renewal could not only aid farmers but also contribute positively to the country’s agricultural economy in the long term.
In essence, while the sugarcane industry in Fiji contends with significant obstacles, Minister Singh’s call for serious commitment from farmers presents a hopeful direction for revitalization and growth in the agricultural sector.
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