Fiji’s sugar industry requires significant political will and collaboration among stakeholders to address pressing challenges, according to Raj Sharma, CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Fund. In an interview on The Lens@177, Sharma highlighted the critical issues facing the sector, including an aging workforce, high production costs, and limited renewals of farming practices.
Sharma remarked, “It needs a political will from up there, from the minister, and a deep engagement between all the stakeholders.” He emphasized the need for focused efforts to achieve tangible results in revitalizing the industry.
The aging demographic of sugarcane farmers is particularly concerning as it threatens the sustainability of the sector. A previous report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also noted that the sugar industry is grappling with a labor shortage, driven by declining interest from younger generations in the agricultural vocation. The FAO has identified that the average yield of sugarcane has decreased significantly, calling for innovations in farming techniques and collaboration between the government and industry players for sustainable growth.
While the challenges are daunting, Sharma pointed out that the sugar industry possesses advantages, such as a guaranteed market for produce. “You do not have to hunt for a market,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of harvesting and supplying the cane directly to the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC).
Previous discussions have echoed the call for reform within the sugar sector, highlighting the necessity for establishing modern sugar mills to improve efficiency. Stakeholders, including members of the Nadi Chamber of Commerce, stress the urgency of implementing cost-cutting measures and enhancing operational practices to restore profitability.
Despite these hurdles, there is a collective hope that strategic investments, focused reforms, and enhanced collaboration can rejuvenate Fiji’s sugar sector. Efforts aimed at attracting young talent back to farming, along with innovative agricultural practices, may ultimately pave the way for a sustainable future, revitalizing an industry that remains vital to the nation’s economy and the livelihoods of many families.
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