Charan Jeath Singh, the outgoing Minister for the Sugar Industry, has celebrated the noteworthy achievements during his three-year term, highlighting record cane payments, restored trust among stakeholders, and ongoing strides towards sustainable recovery in Fiji’s sugar sector. In a recent event in Lautoka for grant distribution, Singh pointed out that this period has seen the issuance of the three highest cane payments in the history of Fiji, a feat he credited to better coordination, strong government support, and the unwavering commitment of farmers.
“These achievements did not occur by mere chance,” Singh remarked, attributing the positive transformations to a collaborative effort. He elaborated on how the Government has shifted the industry’s focus from a blame game and temporary solutions to a model emphasizing partnership, long-term planning, and shared responsibilities among all stakeholders. “We have moved away from fragmented decision-making to a culture of collective responsibility,” he stated, noting that this evolution has cultivated unity, transparency, and accountability within the industry.
Singh also underscored the progress towards the Government’s ambitious goal of boosting cane production by an additional 200,000 tonnes each year. This objective is bolstered by improvements in mill operations, enhanced logistics, governance reforms, and direct support for growers. He emphasized that these initiatives aim to strengthen the industry’s foundation rather than pursuing fleeting, unsustainable gains.
“Importantly, this Government has made it clear from the outset — we are not here to dismantle sugar communities; we are dedicated to revitalizing them,” Singh affirmed. While acknowledging the ongoing hurdles facing the sector, he expressed confidence that the reforms and partnerships cultivated over the last three years have positioned the industry on a more sustainable path. The outlook for Fiji’s sugar industry appears hopeful, offering promise and encouragement for the stakeholders and communities involved.