Flood damage hits sugar sector

The sugar industry is at risk ahead of the sole crushing season; with only one annual crushing window, flood damage is threatening farmer incomes and national sugar output, placing urgency on assessments and recovery timelines.

Flooding in the West has severely damaged sugarcane farms, prompting urgent Government assessments and recovery planning.

Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Tomasi Tunabuna said teams were on the ground assessing crop losses following widespread flooding across the Western Division.

Speaking in Lautoka on Wednesday at the Sugar Cane Growers Fund, Mr Tunabuna said the sugar sector, already grappling with mill disruptions and rising production costs, faces yet another major challenge.

“Our teams are on the ground carrying out initial assessments. We are looking at the extent of damage, particularly crop losses in sugarcane farms,” he said.

The minister acknowledged floodwaters had submerged cane fields, disrupted access roads, and delayed preparations for the next crushing season.

“For sugar, we have only one crushing season. There will be assistance for recovery, but this will be determined by the current surveys and assessments.”

Mr Tunabuna said assessments began three days ago and officers were working around the clock to compile reports.

“We do not have the exact statistics at the moment, but our people are working 24/7 to get those figures. Once we analyse the situation, we will begin the process of assisting affected farmers.”

He said rehabilitation would depend heavily on improved weather conditions.

“We are still in the wet season. Rehabilitation work will require good weather and may take weeks,” he said.
“Priority would be given to facilitating crop recovery where possible to allow farmers to salvage and sell cane for financial relief.”

Mr Tunabuna also confirmed collaboration with multiple agencies, including teams from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry for Rural Development and Disaster Management, which are deployed in the West.

“Our farmers are the backbone of this industry. We will meet the needs where we can, and where greater requirements exist, we will work through them carefully,” he said.

The minister will visit affected farmers for a second time tomorrow.

Mr Tunabuna is touring the Western Division after assuming the portfolio of Minister for Agriculture, Waterways, and Sugar Industry, replacing Charan Jeet Singh.