Sugar industry targets 200,000-tonne boost

Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh has set clear, realistic and measurable goals to restore confidence and productivity in the sugar industry. 

Mr Singh said that their goal was to increase sugarcane production in Fiji by 200,000 tonnes each year. 

“I am pleased to share that we are on track to meet that target by the end of this season,” Mr Singh said. 

He said it was an achievement that reflects the determination of farmers and the renewed stability across the sector. 

Mr Singh highlighted that under the coalition Government, growers continue to receive the highest cane prices ever recorded.  

He said the recent payment of $101.13 per tonne for the 2024 crop signals the effectiveness of the Government’s policies and strengthens confidence in the industry’s recovery. 

The ministry has reintroduced 12 government-funded programmes this financial year, with four directly supporting farmers. 

These are: 

1. The manual labour subsidy programme will ease harvesting costs 
2. The farmer incentive programme will reward productivity and innovation 
3. The new farmer grant and lease renewal support will bring more land into cane and attract young farmers 
4. The restructured sugarcane development and farmers assistance programme ensures every dollar reaches the farmer 
5. These initiatives form part of a wider push to make farming more viable, profitable and sustainable for growers nationwide.  

Mr Singh emphasised that the sector’s progress was the result of targeted reforms, improved financial support and a renewed partnership with the farming community. 

He said the ministry remains committed to ensuring that farmers have the tools, resources and incentives they need to lift production and secure long-term industry stability. 

Mr Singh said the progress achieved this season demonstrated that the sugar industry was moving in the right direction, guided by clear policies and the collective effort of all stakeholders.