In a significant initiative to support sugarcane farmers in Fiji, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, has ordered the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to promptly reactivate the railway line from Lausa Loop to Tawatawa Point, addressing a major transportation issue that has affected the farmers’ ability to deliver their cane to the Rarawai Mill.
Farmers, particularly from Drumasi, Yaladro, and Tagitagi, had raised concerns during community consultations regarding the detrimental impact of the rail line’s closure on their livelihoods, leading to increased reliance on expensive truck transport. Minister Singh acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating, “We worked late into the night yesterday to ensure our farmers’ needs were addressed without further delay. We are already in the third week of harvesting, and time is of the essence.”
The reactivation of the railway line is anticipated to lower transportation costs significantly and enhance the efficiency of cane delivery, thus supporting the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry in the region. This decision aligns with previous discussions involving the Ministry, where infrastructure improvements were highlighted as vital for revitalizing Fiji’s sugar sector.
Farmers are encouraged to continue utilizing trucks where possible to maintain the flow of operations during the rail line restoration, ensuring minimal disruption to the ongoing harvesting process.
The commitment demonstrated by the government is aimed at fostering the agricultural community’s resilience, restoring farmer livelihoods, and working towards an optimistic future for Fiji’s sugar industry. By focusing on logistical challenges and investing in infrastructure, these developments may lead to a more productive and sustainable agricultural landscape in the country.
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