Fiji : ‘Current crop of cane farmers is industry’s last’
Fiji’s sugar industry is at risk as aging farmers abandon sugarcane cultivation. Former FSC board member Arvind Singh warns that younger generations are uninterested, even with higher prices. He fears economic strain if the industry collapses, urging stakeholders to find revival strategies. Without action, Fiji may face increased reliance on government welfare programs.
FORMER Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) board member and one of Ba’s largest sugarcane farmers, Arvind Singh of Yalalevu, says the current crop of sugarcane farmers is the industry’s last.
Mr Singh, whose 50-acre freehold property yields more than 1300 tonnes of sugarcane annually, is concerned that farmers are abandoning sugarcane farming.
“We are the last generation of the sugar industry,” Mr Singh said.
“After us, no one will want to do sugarcane farming.
“Most of the farmers are over 50 years old. Those who are farming are mostly in their 50s, 60s and 70s.”
Mr Singh lamented that children of cane farmers have no interest in farming and would not be lured to the canefields even if the price of cane was raised to $200 a tonne.
“They are not bothered. They want to move out and work outside the sector,” he said.
“I have spent my entire life sugarcane farming. My grandfather and father were big sugarcane farmers and when we took over, we continued that.
“But now, our farm is getting smaller because our children do not want to be in farming.
“This is not just my story. It is the story of many other farmers.”
Mr Singh believes if the sugar industry dies, Fiji’s economic situation will worsen and place a big burden on the Government.
“They will be forced to give more social welfare pensions because many farmers still depend on sugarcane.
“That’s why it’s important that sugar industry stakeholders should come to a round table and discuss ways to revive the industry.”
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Source : Fiji Times
