Calls grow to privatise FSC as sugar industry's future questioned

Calls are growing for the Government to privatise the Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited (FSC).

People's Alliance Party president Ratu Josefa Dimuri saying Fiji can no longer delay decisions on the future of the struggling sugar industry.

His comments follow Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's recent remarks questioning the country's continued reliance on sugar.

Mr Dimuri said the Prime Minister had already made his position clear, although it may have offended some people.

He said the sugar industry was no longer delivering the returns expected and that Fiji needed to start planning for an alternative.

"We cannot afford to wait too long. We must start planning now and identify the most appropriate substitute to replace sugar," Mr Dimuri said.

He said one option would be for the Government to sell the Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited to a private company.

"It is a good idea for the Government to sell FSC and allow a private company to run it," he said.

Ratu Josefa also proposed closing sugar mills in Viti Levu and concentrating sugar production in Vanua Levu.

He said the move would improve crop quality and production while creating opportunities to establish new factories in the North.

He also suggested amalgamating small cane farms into larger operations and helping affected farmers transition into value-added industries.

In Viti Levu, he said farmers could shift to high-value export crops, particularly in areas such as Nadi.

Ratu Josefa also called for technical expertise from countries including China, Taiwan, Indonesia and Korea to support the transition.

"Pawpaw sells for $1 or $2 in Fiji but up to $12 in New Zealand. There is strong demand for such products, and it is a good example of export opportunities for farmers," he said.

Mr Dimuri said investing in high-value crops would allow farmers to earn more cash while reducing reliance on sugar.