The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, has taken decisive action to address the ongoing issues faced by Fiji’s sugar industry. In collaboration with the Sugar Cane Growers Council and the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), Dr. Kumar has instructed the Sugar Industry Tribunal to minimize disruptions and swiftly implement solutions to support farmers and stakeholders.
This announcement follows a meeting with lorry drivers at the Lautoka Sugar Mill, where concerns were raised regarding lengthy delays in offloading cane and slow quota allocations, which have been exacerbated by the closure of the Ba Mill. Dr. Kumar commended the patience demonstrated by farmers and lorry drivers during this challenging period and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to keep the industry progressing despite operational challenges.
To streamline processes and enhance efficiency, Dr. Kumar met with the CEOs of various sugar industry bodies. The goal is to ensure that the quota system operates effectively, particularly in aiding manual laborers employed by farmers. The Ministry underscored the need for a united front to overcome the hurdles faced by the industry.
These recent developments align with broader efforts to address persistent challenges within Fiji’s sugar industry. Previous reports have highlighted similar issues such as the low operational rate of manual harvesting gangs, the detrimental impact of infrastructure shortcomings, and inefficiencies at the Lautoka Mill. Efforts to reactivate railway lines and ongoing infrastructure improvements have been recognized as vital steps toward revitalizing the sugar sector.
Additionally, challenges like declining cane quality and labor shortages continue to be significant concerns. However, with ongoing investments in infrastructure and modernization, along with increased collaboration among stakeholders, there is a glimmer of hope for a more resilient and sustainable future for Fiji’s sugar industry. Commitment from the Ministry and industry bodies to regular monitoring and collaborative problem-solving is expected to strengthen the industry’s foundations, thereby enhancing the livelihood of farmers and contributing positively to the local economy.