The sugarcane growers consultation on national sugar industry policy which was planned to begin today in Labasa has been postponed due to Tropical Cyclone Mona warnings.

This was confirmed by the director of sugar policy and research Reshmi Kumari.

She said the eight consultations that were supposed to take place from January 8 to 11 would happen later this year.

“The Ministry of Sugar together with the Fiji Sugar Corporation, Sugar Cane Growers Council, Sugar Research Institute of Fiji, Sugar Cane Growers Fund, South Pacific Fertilisers Limited and Sugar Industry Tribunal were supposed to hold these consultations,” Ms Kumari said.

“Announcements for other mill areas will be done later.

“The purpose of consultation was to seek inputs and suggestions from sugarcane growers on development of the National Sugar Industry Policy and Strategies on interested areas and any other concerns that growers may have.

“There is only Sugar Action Plan but not the policy.

This will be the first policy we are going to develop.”

“After the consultations within one year the policy will be implemented but as of now we will see how it will go,” Ms Kumari added.

Meanwhile, if any sugarcane grower needs information about the consultation can contact Ms Kumari on 9905224 or Mr Rusiate Veikoso on 9904719.

Feedback: shratika.naidu@fijisun.com.fj