Raj Sharma, CEO of the Sugar Cane Growers Fund, has announced that there are currently sixteen sugarcane farms available for mortgage sale, with nearly half successfully sold. He emphasized the importance of good faith in the mortgage sale process, noting that the fund has a responsibility to secure the best price for outgoing farmers or property owners while upholding fiduciary duties. Transparency is key; farmers are kept informed about the tenders received and are given the opportunity to settle any outstanding debts before the final sale.
This announcement comes in the context of ongoing discussions about the need for farmer commitment in Fiji’s struggling sugar industry. Fiji’s Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, has recently stressed the necessity for integrity among sugarcane farmers, especially those who are behind on their loans. He has urged farmers to demonstrate a genuine commitment to their agricultural responsibilities, warning that failing to do so might result in losing their land.
The sugar industry in Fiji has been facing significant challenges, with production plunging from 100 tons per hectare to approximately 47 tons due to numerous issues such as poor management and inadequate support from the Fiji Sugar Corporation. The messages from both Sharma and Singh highlight the essential connection between farmer accountability and the financial health of the industry.
The ongoing mortgage sales and the call for increased responsibility among farmers present a potential opportunity for revitalization within the sugarcane sector. The hope is that more committed and productive individuals will take over the land, which could lead to higher yields in the future. This situation emphasizes the necessity for transparency and integrity within the farming community, paving the way for a brighter future for Fiji’s sugarcane industry.
As the discussions progress, the collective efforts to renew and strengthen farmer commitments could represent a turning point, ultimately aiming towards a more sustainable and profitable future for all stakeholders involved.
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