The Ministry of Sugar has urged the Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) to investigate the low operational rate of manual harvesting gangs, which currently stands at just 61% in the Lautoka mill area. This figure marks the lowest participation among Fiji’s three sugar mills and comes amid broader concerns regarding the operational efficiency and quality of cane supplied to the Lautoka mill.
Dr. Vinesh Kumar, the Permanent Secretary for Sugar, stated that discussions held with industry stakeholders centered on the mill’s performance, the declining quality of cane, and acute labor shortages. The ongoing issues have highlighted the challenges impacting cane deliveries, with labor mobilization being critical to stabilize supply levels. To address this, the SCGC has been directed to work in tandem with the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to mobilize additional manual labor gangs.
Moreover, the Ministry of Sugar is addressing persistent issues related to burnt cane, which adversely affects cane quality. Dr. Kumar has tasked the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) with expediting cane quality testing to develop effective strategies aimed at improving standards. He emphasized the importance of supporting farmers in delivering high-quality cane and acknowledged the need for collaborative efforts throughout the crushing season.
Following similar sentiments expressed by industry figures such as Mahendra Chaudhry, General Secretary of the National Farmers Union, the ongoing struggles of the Lautoka mill have raised alarms about its impact on the overall sugar industry in Fiji. High ratios of cane to sugar production and operational inefficiencies have been illustrated in previous reports, suggesting a long-standing need for accountability and improvement within the sector.
Despite these challenges, a collective push for modernization and enhanced operational efficiency offers a glimmer of hope for the future of Fiji’s sugar industry. Ongoing investments and increased collaboration among stakeholders could pave the way for improved resilience and sustainability. The Ministry’s commitment to weekly meetings will facilitate monitoring progress and addressing any emerging challenges expediently, fostering a more robust environment for farmers and the local economy.
By prioritizing these issues and fostering collaboration, the future may hold promise for revitalizing Fiji’s sugar industry, as stakeholders work together to overcome the hurdles faced in the present landscape.
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