Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has criticized Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh, asserting that Singh is not the right person to lead the sugar industry due to his lack of genuine farming experience. Chaudhry, pointing out that Singh is merely a plantation owner and not an active farmer, expressed concerns over the low cane production and the challenges posed by an aging workforce in the agricultural sector.
Chaudhry questioned how someone who does not engage directly with the land could comprehend the struggles of farmers, emphasizing the need for a minister with firsthand experience in the field. He stressed that appointing someone with a real connection to agriculture is crucial for the industry’s survival, especially as it grapples with declining yields.
In response to Chaudhry’s remarks, Minister Singh defended his position, highlighting his record and suggesting that Chaudhry’s meeting with farmers had a low turnout, with only a couple of growers present at the event. Singh claimed that these farmers were only producing minimal amounts of cane, which he felt indicated that they should transition away from sugarcane farming.
This ongoing debate between Chaudhry and Singh reflects broader issues within Fiji’s sugar industry, which has seen significant drops in yields over the years. The average production has fallen from around 100 tons per hectare to approximately 47 tons, driven by limited support systems and ineffective farming practices.
Constructive dialogue and collaborative approaches are needed among all stakeholders, including farmers and government officials, to revitalize the sugarcane industry. With appropriate measures in place, there is potential for improvement in productivity and conditions favorable for local farmers. The challenges at hand can foster a renewed commitment to better farming practices, which is essential for the industry’s future.
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