Fiji : Gaps still exists within system— report
A study by the FAO highlights challenges facing Fiji’s sugarcane farmers, including high labour and input costs, logistical issues with mechanization, and problematic payment systems. Farmers receive 72% of income, with delays affecting cashflow and investment. The study suggests shifting focus to understanding farmers’ willingness to stay in the industry and improving systemic productivity across the value chain.
A gap continues to exist between engaging sugar cane growers struggling to continue farming and finding the solutions to their problems.
A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations on the future of Fiji’s sugar industry revealed that the challenges faced by farmers was well documented but implementing solutions to these issues was yet to be effected.
The research outlined a number of issues that continue to plague the industry.
“For farmers who expressed willingness to remain in the sugarcane growing business, labour and input costs, logistics associated with harvesting, the payment system and sugarcane prices seem to be overall most problematic,” the study said.
“Issues surrounding the cost and availability of labour, as well as the logistical difficulties for the effective mechanisation of harvesting have been previously highlighted as the main issues limiting the profitability of sugarcane farming in Fiji.
“While mechanical harvesters have been introduced in Fiji, not all terrains, particularly those in small areas and with slopes and gradients are suitable for mechanisation.
“The issues surrounding the sugarcane payment systems have also been documented.
“Farmers receive an average of 72 per cent of the income distributed into several payments throughout the year, with the remaining 28 per cent going to the mills.
“Such prolonged payment system sometimes affects farmers’ cashflow throughout the year, potentially limiting their capacity to invest in anticipatory adaptation options.”
The study state that focus have been primarily on the issues that farmers face without much engagement with the farmers.
“For example, while the payment system is discussed as an issue for the sugar mills, as it undoubtably is, perhaps farmers perceive it as a surmountable challenge, while the factors associated with intention to leave the industry may not be perceived as surmountable.
“We argue for a redirection of the research to understanding the influences of challenges on farmers’ willingness to remain in the industry.
“To support farmers, the government provides several subsidies for the use of fertilizers and other inputs focused on increasing the sugarcane production levels.”
“However, a more systemic approach to understanding productivity is needed in the industry to tackle inefficiencies along the value chain.”
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Source : Fiji Times
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