Reviving Fiji’s Sugar Industry: A Single Mill Vision

Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh is initiating plans to construct a high-performance sugar mill on Viti Levu, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency within Fiji’s sugar industry. During a meeting with cane growers in Lautoka, he emphasized the need for a single, modern mill rather than maintaining the two existing mills, which have served for nearly 140 years and lack the necessary modernization investments.

Singh highlighted the continuous financial burden on the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) due to maintenance costs associated with the aging facilities. “Every year, FSC spends a lot of money to upkeep these mills,” he noted. By consolidating operations, the ministry aims to alleviate the cumbersome wait times of 24 to 36 hours that farmers currently experience when delivering their cane.

Ongoing discussions with a Chinese company are focused on this potential development, with Singh planning to present a formal proposal to the Cabinet next week. He indicated that a new mill would require an increased production of sugarcane, stating, “The size of the mill we are looking at is one that will carry out 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes of crushing per day.”

This proposal aligns with earlier discussions about revitalizing Fiji’s sugar industry, which has faced declining production due to outdated infrastructure and a lack of investment in modern technology. There have been suggestions from experts about consolidating milling operations to improve efficiency and bolster production sustainably.

With sugar production currently falling from previous highs of over 4 million tonnes to about 1.3 million tonnes today, this proactive approach signals a hopeful direction for Fiji’s sugar sector. By investing in advanced technology and reducing inefficiencies, there is potential not only for enhancing productivity but also for improving the livelihoods of farmers and supporting local economies.

Overall, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to revitalizing Fiji’s agricultural landscape and securing its sugar industry’s future amidst ongoing challenges.