Mahendra Chaudhry, the leader of the Fiji Labour Party and general secretary of the National Farmers Union (NFU), has called for the immediate dismissal of Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh due to what he described as disastrous performance at the Lautoka Sugar Mill. This appeal comes after the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) announced an extended shutdown of the mill that began following a routine inspection revealing a leak in one of the boiler tubes.
Chaudhry noted that since crushing commenced on June 12, the Lautoka Mill has experienced six shutdowns, with a significant breakdown occurring over the weekend of June 21. He criticized the FSC for inefficiencies, claiming that no sugar had been produced and harvested cane was being wasted. “The repeated breakdowns, coupled with the transparency issues regarding mill operations, have led to enormous losses for farmers,” he argued.
Bhan Pratap Singh, the CEO of the FSC, defended the mill’s operations and stated that the first ten days of the crushing season are often used to identify and rectify issues that may not have been apparent during the offseason. He emphasized that repair efforts are aimed at ensuring stable operations moving forward, asserting that the Lautoka Mill had successfully produced some sugar during this challenging period.
Despite Singh’s reassurances, farmers from Ba, Tavua, and Ra expressed concerns about potential operational failures as the Rarawai Mill is set to start operations. Chaudhry’s statements reflect a broader sentiment of frustration among farmers who fear repeated operational challenges that hinder their livelihoods.
This ongoing situation highlights the critical importance of maintaining robust and efficient infrastructure within Fiji’s sugar industry. Past articles have echoed similar concerns regarding the Lautoka Mill’s viability, with stakeholders advocating for a comprehensive assessment and investment in modernization efforts. While the current atmosphere is challenging, it serves as a reminder of the resilience among farmers and the need for proactive measures to foster improvements within the sugar supply chain.
The dialogue surrounding these issues brings to light a hopeful perspective for the sugar industry’s future. Collective efforts to enhance operational efficiency and accountability among stakeholders could potentially lead to more stable and productive outcomes for all involved.
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