Fiji’s Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, has issued a strong message to sugarcane farmers during a recent meeting in Lautoka, urging them to either demonstrate genuine commitment to their farming responsibilities or relinquish their land. This advice comes in response to a troubling incident involving four farmers from Seaqaqa, Vanua Levu, who claimed that landowners were blocking their access to land for sugarcane cultivation.

Minister Singh stressed the need for honesty, particularly regarding financial obligations, stating that these farmers had taken loans from the Sugarcane Growers Fund but had failed to make repayments for the last five to six years. Singh condemned their dishonesty and emphasized that farmers should not exploit the industry by shifting blame onto landowners.

This warning comes at a critical juncture for Fiji’s sugar industry, which has been battling significant declines in production. Average sugarcane yields have plummeted from 100 tons per hectare to approximately 47 tons due to various inefficiencies, including poor land management and inadequate support from the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC). Singh has previously called for improvements in farming practices, mechanization, and a focus on optimizing production within smaller plots rather than spreading resources too thin over larger areas.

Despite these challenges, Singh’s insistence on accountability offers a pathway for revitalizing the sugarcane sector in Fiji. He has expressed hope that with renewed commitment and a collective effort, farmers can work towards not only improving yields but also restoring the integrity of the industry.

In summary, while the sugar industry faces considerable hurdles, Singh’s emphasis on personal responsibility and transparency serves as a crucial call to action. It underscores the importance of farmer engagement and integrity, essential for fostering a sustainable future for Fiji’s agricultural economy.