Fiji Global News

Your Window To Fiji And Beyond.

Illustration of Singh warns canefarmers

Sugar Minister’s Bold Ultimatum to Canefarmers: Are You In or Out?

Spread the love

Fiji’s Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, has issued a decisive warning to sugarcane farmers, urging them to either commit to their farming responsibilities or vacate their land. During a meeting in Lautoka, Singh’s message was clear: “If you do not have any interest in the sugarcane farm, get out of the land!”

This statement follows a recent incident involving four farmers from Seaqaqa, Vanua Levu, who falsely claimed that landowners were preventing them from planting sugarcane. Singh emphasized the importance of honesty in the industry, especially regarding commitments to repay loans from the Sugarcane Growers Fund. These farmers have been delinquent on their loans for up to six years, which raises serious concerns about their integrity in managing their farming obligations.

The Minister has previously voiced concerns over declining sugarcane production figures, which have seen average yields fall dramatically from 100 tons per hectare to approximately 47 tons. Singh’s warnings come at a critical time for Fiji’s sugar industry, which has been grappling with inefficiencies and insufficient support from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC). This has led Singh to advocate for better land management practices, mechanization, and increased accountability among both farmers and FSC personnel to revive the industry.

Singh’s insistence on accountability serves as a clarion call for farmers: genuine effort is crucial for the sustainability of the sugarcane sector. If those on the land are not prepared to engage seriously, they must allow others who are eager to contribute to step in. The hope remains that with renewed commitment and an honest approach to farming, the sugarcane industry in Fiji can see a resurgence in productivity and growth.

In summary, while the sugar industry faces significant challenges, Minister Singh’s emphasis on personal responsibility and integrity offers a pathway toward revitalization and a hopeful future for Fiji’s agricultural sector.


Comments

Leave a comment

Latest News

Search the website