Sugar cane growers are experiencing significant financial struggles following record levels of unharvested cane from the 2025 season. The Sugar Cane Growers Council (SCGC) has reported that a combination of factors, including labor shortages, adverse weather conditions, and the devastating fire at the Rarawai Mill, has resulted in many crops remaining unharvested, particularly in Viti Levu.
Current assessments indicate that approximately 80,000 tonnes of cane are still standing in the fields, leading to an estimated loss of around eight million dollars in revenue for growers. The delayed harvesting has consequently damaged the fields, raising concerns about the productivity of future ratoon crops.
In light of these challenges, the SCGC has escalated the issue to the Sugar Industry Tribunal in hopes of securing compensation for affected growers. Furthermore, the Council is urging banks to provide loan and interest relief, given that many growers have faced nil harvests and lack insurance coverage.
This situation highlights an acute need for comprehensive crop insurance programs to safeguard the agricultural sector against the impacts of climate change and other industry-related disruptions. By addressing this critical issue, the industry can work towards a more resilient future that supports growers in times of adversity.