Sugarcane farmers in Fiji’s Western Division are receiving immediate financial relief following the recent fire at the Rarawai Mill. Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh announced that starting tomorrow, all loan applications and documentation fees for growers seeking loans to cover cane harvesting costs for the remainder of the crushing season will be waived. This move aims to alleviate financial pressure and enable farmers to maintain operations despite the disruption caused by the fire.
Minister Singh introduced the Loyalty Agreement Signup between the Sugar Cane Growers Fund and Pacific Energy in Ba, offering farmers who register their vehicles a loyalty card providing a five-cent per litre discount on fuel over the next three years. Since its introduction in December last year, the Loyalty Card Program has registered over 2,200 growers, providing discounts ranging from two to 12.5 percent at various service providers, including private hospitals, pharmacies, retailers, hardware stores, and machinery dealers.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort to support farmers in recovering from the fire’s impact and safeguard their livelihoods. The fire at the Rarawai Mill has imposed significant strain on the sugar industry, compounding financial challenges with increased logistical and transportation costs. Earlier, the government committed to providing a compensation of $15 per tonne for cane redirected to the Lautoka Sugar Mill, which supports continued processing of the affected sugarcane.
Reflecting on past efforts, the sugar industry has faced numerous challenges, and the government, alongside industry stakeholders like the Fiji Sugar Corporation, has been proactive in ensuring the sector’s resilience. Previous measures included financial aid and mechanization grants to enhance productivity and support farmers.
These coordinated relief measures highlight the government’s commitment to safeguarding the sugar industry, which remains vital to Fiji’s economic stability. Stakeholders remain optimistic, anticipating that these initiatives will not only mitigate the immediate aftermath of the Rarawai Mill fire but also secure the future resilience and prosperity of Fiji’s sugar sector.
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