The government is set to introduce a motion in the upcoming August session of Parliament aimed at forming a special committee focused on the sugar industry. Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad announced that this committee will be chaired by the Prime Minister and will include the Deputy Prime Ministers, the Minister for Sugar, the Leader of the Opposition, and a member of the G9.
Prasad reinforced the government’s commitment to the sugar sector, acknowledging that nearly 200,000 individuals rely on it for their livelihoods. He pointed out that since the current administration took office, government support has been substantial, including a rise in the local sugar price, which increased from $91.38 per tonne in 2022 to $105.08 per tonne for the 2023 season—$20 above the guaranteed price.
Looking ahead, the government plans to maintain attractive pricing for the 2024 season, with a budget allocation of $72 million directed towards various initiatives, such as subsidies for fertilizer, weedicide, transport costs, and the improvement of cane access roads. Prasad emphasized that making sugarcane cultivation profitable is essential for revitalizing the struggling sugar industry, which has faced numerous challenges, including natural disasters and past governmental mismanagement.
This focus on revitalizing the sugar sector aligns with previous announcements, such as a substantial funding request from the Ministry of Sugar Industry for enhanced farmer support and to recover from the effects of hardship, including those caused by climate-related events. Similar discussions have highlighted the importance of infrastructure investment and innovative farming practices as crucial steps to strengthen the agricultural sector in Fiji.
The government’s determination to transform the sugar industry and support its workforce reflects a proactive approach to ensuring the sustainability and growth of a vital economic sector in Fiji. With increased governmental support and a strategic plan in place, there’s a hopeful sentiment that these efforts will lead to a more resilient agricultural landscape benefiting local communities.
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