Opposition Member of Parliament Viam Pillay is calling on the Government to urgently reconsider its decision to close the Labasa Sugar Mill earlier than planned, with a proposed shutdown date of November 24, 2025. Pillay warns that this could inflict significant financial hardship on sugarcane farmers in Vanua Levu.
In his statement, Pillay characterized the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) announcement as “grossly unjust” and a sign of “political neglect.” He underscored the impossibility of harvesting the remaining cane in the allotted time, highlighting that approximately 17,000 tonnes of cane are still unharvested in the Natua and Bulivou sectors, with considerable amounts still standing throughout the Labasa region.
Currently, the mill is processing around 4,000 tonnes of cane each day, leading Pillay to express skepticism about whether all remaining crops can be processed prior to the closure. He drew a contrast with a recent decision to extend the Lautoka Mill’s operations to January 1, 2026—an extension granted due to issues with the Rarawai Mill’s operations. Pillay questioned why farmers in the North have not been afforded similar consideration, arguing that “the crisis in the West cannot be allowed to cause economic devastation in the North.” He referred to this situation as a “systemic disregard” for the welfare of farmers.
Pillay is advocating for the Sugar Industry Tribunal to mandate that the Labasa Mill continue processing sugar until all harvested cane in Vanua Levu is completed. He has also suggested the establishment of a dedicated task force by the FSC to redeploy workers and mechanical harvesters to areas where cane remains, arguing that improvements are essential to avert capacity loss due to operational delays.
Highlighting the urgent need for government intervention, Pillay warned that families in the North might face severe financial losses if immediate actions are not taken. He urged, “Stop letting our families suffer. Intervene now. Extend the crush until the job is done. Do not let this crop rot.” These appeals reflect a broader concern for the welfare of farmers in the Fijian sugar industry, which faces ongoing challenges, including operational inefficiencies and rising production costs.
This situation underscores the necessity for strategic initiatives to support farmers as they confront ongoing economic challenges. While the current circumstances may seem daunting, there is hope that united efforts among stakeholders can lead to a more resilient and prosperous future for Fiji’s sugar industry, ultimately benefiting the farmers who depend on it.