The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) has raised concerns over the diminishing state of Fiji’s sugar industry, attributing its plight to years of neglect and poor management. NCCI president Dr. Ram Raju echoed sentiments from prominent sugarcane farmer Arvind Singh, emphasizing the necessity for industry leaders to adopt cost-cutting measures to avert further decline and restore profitability to the sector.
Dr. Raju expressed his dismay over the industry’s deterioration over the past two decades, noting global sugar price fluctuations due to oversupply and reduced demand. However, he remains optimistic about the potential for revitalization, advocating for a more efficient approach by suggesting the establishment of two modern sugar mills—one on Viti Levu and another on Vanua Levu. This would streamline operations and potentially eliminate inefficiencies associated with smaller, mismanaged farms, which could be merged to create larger, more sustainable operations.
The conversation surrounding the sugar industry reflects broader discussions among stakeholders, including government officials and agricultural advocates, who emphasize accountability and pragmatic solutions to current challenges. Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh has also highlighted the urgent need for reform and improvement in agricultural practices as average sugarcane yields have significantly decreased, necessitating renewed engagement from all stakeholders in the industry.
Previous discussions have noted that the sugar sector historically played a crucial role in Fiji’s economy. Despite the current difficulties, initiatives aimed at modernizing operations, improving management, and encouraging collaboration among farmers, the government, and industry leaders present a hopeful outlook. The commitment to addressing long-term issues such as labor shortages and land lease instability could pave the way for a more sustainable future within this essential agricultural sector.
Amid the challenges, strategic reforms and collective efforts to revitalize the sugar industry suggest that a path to recovery may be achievable, providing an opportunity for both economic sustainability and enhanced livelihoods for those involved in sugar farming.
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