The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, has initiated significant measures to tackle the persistent challenges plaguing Fiji’s sugar industry. In conjunction with the Sugar Cane Growers Council and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), Dr. Kumar has directed the Sugar Industry Tribunal to find ways to reduce disruptions and swiftly respond with solutions to support both farmers and key stakeholders.
This move follows a meeting with lorry drivers at the Lautoka Sugar Mill, where concerns were raised over delays in cane offloading and slow quota allocations, further complicated by the closure of the Ba Mill. Dr. Kumar acknowledged the patience of farmers and lorry drivers amid these challenges and highlighted the importance of collective efforts to maintain progress in the face of operational difficulties.
To enhance efficiency and streamline processes, Dr. Kumar has consulted with the CEOs of various sugar industry organizations. The objective is to ensure the quota system functions optimally, particularly benefiting manual laborers employed by farmers. The Ministry stressed the importance of unity to address the industry’s obstacles.
These developments are part of a broader strategy to tackle longstanding issues within Fiji’s sugar sector. Prior reports have identified similar problems, such as the low productivity of manual harvesting gangs, infrastructure deficits, and inefficiencies at the Lautoka Mill. Reactivating railway lines and improving infrastructure have been marked as crucial steps towards revitalizing the sugar industry.
Furthermore, ongoing challenges like declining cane quality and labor shortages remain significant. Nevertheless, with sustained investments in infrastructure and modernization, alongside greater collaboration among stakeholders, there is hope for a resilient and sustainable future for Fiji’s sugar industry. The Ministry and industry bodies are committed to regular monitoring and collaborative problem-solving, aiming to strengthen the industry’s foundations, enhance the livelihoods of farmers, and positively impact the local economy.