The Permanent Secretary for the Sugar Industry, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, recently conducted a vital visit to the Lautoka Sugar Mill to address pressing concerns stemming from the closure of the Ba Mill. During the visit, he engaged directly with lorry drivers who have faced significant challenges, particularly around prolonged waiting times for unloading cane and delays in quota allocations. The meeting, attended by Lautoka Mill’s General Manager Ilaitia Ratumainaceva and the Acting Cane Logistics Manager, highlighted a unified effort to tackle these operational hurdles effectively.
Dr. Kumar not only acknowledged the grievances of the drivers but also stressed the necessity for more efficient logistical planning by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC). Addressing these concerns, the General Manager pledged collaborative efforts with the drivers to find practical solutions. Dr. Kumar lauded the determination of both farmers and lorry drivers, reinforcing his commitment to facilitating smoother operations across the milling processes.
In a bid to further streamline operations, Dr. Kumar organized a strategic meeting with the CEOs of various sugar industry bodies. The meeting aimed at harmonizing objectives and resolving industry-wide operational concerns, specifically focusing on improving the quota distribution system for manual laborers employed by farmers. Dr. Kumar tasked the Sugar Industry Tribunal, alongside the Sugar Cane Growers Council and FSC, with the swift implementation of solutions to aid farmers and reduce operational disruptions.
The Ministry of Sugar remains committed to working alongside diverse stakeholders to enhance all aspects of cane harvesting, transport, and processing, ensuring the industry’s resilience and steady advancement despite recent challenges.
This initiative aligns with the ongoing commitment from the FSC to boost operational efficiency, including addressing previous mechanical issues faced by the Lautoka Mill. Such efforts highlight a crucial need for improved maintenance protocols within the industry. Despite these obstacles, the forward-looking measures indicate a more resilient and thriving future for Fiji’s sugar industry. By focusing on collaboration and strategic enhancements, the sector is poised to become increasingly robust, significantly benefitting the farmers and contributing positively to the local economy.