The Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) has revealed that the 2025 harvesting season has been marked by unprecedented levels of stand-over cane, putting many growers at risk of significant income losses. A thorough assessment conducted across Viti Levu and Vanua Levu has shown that substantial quantities of both green and burnt cane remain unharvested.
According to the SCGC, this season has recorded the highest levels of stand-over cane observed in recent history, with many growers unable to bring in their crops. Contributing to this predicament is a shortage of labor, particularly for those relying on manual harvesting. The situation was further complicated by a fire that affected the Rarawai Mill, which is the only functioning mill in the area, leading to extended harvesting periods that overlap with the rainy season.
The council noted that the extended harvesting timeframe amidst wet conditions has caused frequent disruptions, as excessive rainfall has often halted operations. As a result, growers continue to incur costs for labor, transportation, and crop preparation without any income. It is estimated that around 80,000 tonnes of cane remain unharvested, which equates to a potential loss of approximately $8 million for the industry. The challenges of wet-weather harvesting have also resulted in considerable damage to the fields, potentially impacting future ratoon crops and overall productivity.
In light of these challenges, the SCGC has formally requested compensation for affected growers and has escalated the matter to the Sugar Industry Tribunal for evaluation. The council has emphasized that securing compensation is a priority and, if approved, it would provide direct payouts to eligible growers. They recognized the genuine concerns and anxieties surrounding the considerable losses faced this season.
This crisis underscores the ongoing struggles within the sugar cane industry, particularly in the face of climate change and operational disruptions. However, the SCGC’s dedication to addressing these issues and advocating for financial support provides a glimmer of hope for growers as they seek to recover and navigate these adversities moving forward.