Arvind Singh, a former board member of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and a prominent sugarcane farmer in Ba, is advocating for significant reforms within Fiji’s struggling sugar sector. He argues that cutting back on unnecessary expenditures is essential for revitalizing the industry, which currently produces one million tonnes of sugarcane—enough to justify the operation of only one sugar mill.
Mr. Singh emphasizes that the FSC should learn from organizations that have effectively implemented cost-cutting measures for better sustainability. He points out that systematic cuts could mirror the strategies adopted by banks and other businesses that have downsized to maintain stability. He asserts that without concrete actions to boost the sugar industry, production will continue to decline, a situation evident in the reduced visibility of sugarcane plantations along traditional routes—only 20% remain compared to full coverage seen in previous years.
Singh also highlights the pressing need for government intervention, calling for all stakeholders in the sugar industry to convene and collaboratively seek solutions. Key issues that require immediate attention include land leases, which have left some farmers feeling insecure, and a critical shortage of laborers—a concern he states cannot be resolved by local farmers alone. To increase production, Singh suggests it may be necessary to bring in foreign labor, and he urges the government to take the wheel in addressing these challenges.
This aligns with ongoing concerns shared by Fiji’s Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh, who has been vocal about the accountability needed within the industry. He has previously cautioned farmers about their commitments to farming and criticized the FSC for failing to support them adequately. The Minister has noted a drastic drop in average sugarcane yields from 100 tons per hectare to around 47 tons, which has spurred calls for better agricultural practices and reform within the FSC.
In summary, while there are significant challenges in Fiji’s sugarcane sector, the focus on accountability, the call for active government involvement, and actionable cost-cutting strategies provide a hopeful prospect for revitalization. If farmers, government, and institutions can work together transparently and effectively, there’s potential for the industry to emerge stronger and more sustainable in the future.
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