Farmers in Labasa are currently facing the threat of significant financial losses in sugar production due to persistent flooding, which they attribute to inadequate drainage systems that have failed to manage excess water effectively. Korotari farmer Satish Chand expressed concern about waterlogging in his fields, stating that better drainage could have mitigated the flooding he is experiencing. He highlighted the lack of action from authorities, saying, “We had called relevant authorities before the bad weather regarding poor drainage, but nothing was done to address it.”
Another farmer, Vijen Prasad, shared similar frustrations, noting the severe impact on his crops as three feet of water inundated his cane fields, resulting in substantial losses of both fresh growth and previously applied manure. Prasad described around 10,000 tonnes of sugarcane submerged, leading to another setback for the sugar sector.
In response to the crisis, Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, announced that a team has been deployed to assess the damage that Cyclone Rae caused in the area. He emphasized the importance of evaluating the extent of the destruction and indicated that the costs involved would be communicated once the assessments are complete.
This situation mirrors earlier challenges faced by sugarcane farmers in Fiji due to adverse weather conditions, which have prompted the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) to mobilize field survey teams for damage evaluations across affected regions. Similar assessments have previously shown that while some farms manage to cope with waterlogging issues through improved drainage systems, many others suffer, creating an urgent need for action from the government and related organizations.
Despite the dire circumstances, there remains a glimmer of hope. The commitment shown by the Ministry of Sugar to conduct thorough assessments and potentially seek financial support from the Ministry of Finance could pave the way for much-needed assistance. Farmers’ resilience in the face of adversity, combined with proactive governmental and institutional support, suggests that recovery and sustainability in Fiji’s sugar industry are achievable goals.
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