The Coalition Government of Fiji has firmly rebuffed allegations made by Opposition MP Jone Usamate concerning the sugar industry, labeling them as misleading and devoid of context. Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo highlighted the critical role of the sugar sector in Fiji’s economy and its importance to rural communities. He attributed the current difficulties in the industry to a prolonged decline that began during the tenure of the previous government.
Voserogo pointed out that sugar cane production has dramatically fallen from approximately three million tonnes to 1.5 million tonnes over the course of the Opposition’s 16 years in office. In response to this troubling trend, the Coalition Government has introduced measures that have yielded the highest cane payments in Fiji’s history. Growers received over $91 per tonne in 2022, $105 in 2023, and are projected to maintain above $101 per tonne in 2024.
To revitalize the industry, the government has rolled out multiple initiatives, including new incentives for sugar growers, support for harvesting efforts, transport subsidies, assistance with lease agreements, and investments in mechanization to improve operational efficiency. Vosarogo also addressed issues regarding unharvested cane in some mill areas, linking them to multiple factors such as an accidental fire at the Rarawai Mill, labor shortages, and logistical challenges faced during an unprecedented 2025 crushing season. He noted that in spite of these hurdles, the mills successfully processed around 1.48 million tonnes of cane, an increase from the previous season’s 1.33 million tonnes.
Further clarifying the situation concerning unharvested cane, Vosarogo emphasized that such occurrences are not new. Decisions regarding mill closures follow protocols established in the Master Award and are made with consultation from the Sugarcane Growers Council. He stressed that the underlying issues within the sugar industry are structural and should not be politically charged.
This proactive approach to bolstering the sugar industry mirrors the Coalition Government’s broader commitment to stabilize and enhance Fiji’s agricultural sector. It showcases their determination to tackle inherited challenges while promoting sustainable growth in the industry.