Fiji calls for sweeping reforms to build a sustainable sugar industry
Fiji’s government says comprehensive sugar industry reforms are needed beyond subsidies, targeting productivity, mechanisation, ageing mills, transport and value addition. Climate resilience and diversification into vegetables, livestock and high-value crops are also priorities, aiming to improve farmer incomes and build a commercially sustainable, resilient sugar sector.
Fiji’s sugar industry needs comprehensive reforms, with the government warning that subsidies and short-term interventions alone cannot address the sector’s long-standing challenges, according to a report by FBC News.
Agriculture Permanent Secretary zAndrew Tukana said the industry must become more productive, commercially viable and resilient to climate change. He made the remarks while presenting the Ministry of Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry and Ministry of Sugar Industry Annual Report 2021–2022 to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs.
Reforms are needed across the sugar value chain, including cane production, harvesting, transport, milling, research, mechanisation and value addition, he said.
Rising input, labour, harvesting and transport costs are putting pressure on smallholder farmers, while climate-related events are adding to production risks.
Tukana said the merger of the agriculture and sugar portfolios offers an opportunity to improve extension services, research, technology transfer and coordination of land and water management.
The government is also promoting diversification, acknowledging that sugarcane may not remain economically viable for every farmer or parcel of land. Vegetables, legumes, high-value crops, livestock, intercropping and agro-processing are among the alternatives being explored.
Mechanisation will be another key focus as the industry faces a shortage of labour. The government is also looking to address ageing sugar mills, infrastructure gaps and transportation challenges.
Climate resilience, including drought-tolerant cane varieties, improved water management, drainage, soil conservation and early-warning systems, will also be prioritised.
The long-term objective is to build a commercially sustainable sugar industry while providing farmers with more profitable and resilient income opportunities.
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Source : ChiniMandi
