The Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) is rallying behind the recommendations from Arvind Singh, a renowned sugarcane farmer from Ba and former member of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) board. Singh has called for urgent cost-reduction measures to rejuvenate Fiji’s struggling sugar industry, which has been enduring a prolonged period of decline due to various challenges, including mismanagement and external market pressures.
NCCI’s president, Dr. Ram Raju, echoed Singh’s calls for immediate action, underlining that the sugar industry, historically pivotal to Fiji’s economy, has faced diminishing support and oversight. “We fully agree with Mr. Singh’s views. The time to take action is now,” Dr. Raju affirmed.
Both leaders highlighted the instability of sugar prices resulting from global oversupply coupled with declining demand, stressing that with better management practices, profitability is still within reach. Dr. Raju proposed innovative solutions such as establishing two modern sugar mills—one in Viti Levu and another in Vanua Levu—to enhance production efficiency.
One of the significant issues addressed is the potential merger of small, mismanaged farms into more substantial operations, which could lead to greater efficiency and productivity. The discourse also examined the practical challenges such as short-term land leases and labor shortages that farmers are encountering. Singh emphasized the necessity for comprehensive reforms that could include government intervention and support to tackle these systemic issues.
These sentiments are echoed in recent discussions involving government officials and industry stakeholders, reflecting a shared urgency among various participants in the sugar sector. Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, has also been vocal about the need for accountability and practical solutions, noting a staggering drop in average sugarcane yields that requires immediate attention.
As the industry faces a crossroads, the focused strategies proposed by Singh and supported by organizations like the NCCI, reveal an optimistic vision for revitalization. If all stakeholders, including farmers, government bodies, and industry leaders, collaborate effectively and transparently, there is potential for the sugar industry to recover and thrive, reinforcing its vital role in Fiji’s economy.
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