Calls are intensifying for alternative solutions to address the ongoing challenges facing Fiji’s sugar sector. During a recent submission to the Standing Committee on the Sugar Industry Amendment Bill, former journalist Josefa Nata highlighted the financial strain on the industry, calling it a significant drain on national resources.
Nata proposed exploring sugar-cane syrup as an alternative to traditional sugar, asserting that local markets could sustain this shift. “I’ve been cooking sugar-cane syrup for the last six months, experimenting on what we should be selling,” he stated, suggesting that moving away from conventional sugar could save money, especially as current prices for sugar are poised to rise significantly.
Deputy Prime Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, acknowledged the government’s efforts to reform the sugar industry, including the establishment of an Independent Board to review its financial status. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to revitalize a sector that supports a significant number of livelihoods, despite experiencing declining production from a historical high of over 3 million tonnes to current lower levels.
The call for diversification in sugar production echoes sentiments expressed in previous discussions about the industry’s stagnation due to a reliance on outdated practices. Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, has noted that collaboration with stakeholders to explore new avenues such as biomass energy and cogeneration could bolster the industry’s resilience.
Despite these hurdles, there are hopeful signs for the sector’s future. Recent government initiatives, including increased sugarcane prices and targeted financial support, indicate a commitment to revitalizing this crucial part of the Fijian economy. If effectively implemented, these strategies could not only stabilize but potentially reinvigorate Fiji’s sugar industry, allowing it to reclaim its significant role in the national economy.
In summary, as stakeholders engage in discussions about innovative practices and reforms, the pathway to a sustainable and profitable sugar industry in Fiji appears within reach.
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