Early-season cane shortages threaten mill efficiency

Fiji’s sugar industry is facing early-season cane shortages that are threatening mill efficiency and placing pressure on crushing targets for the 2026 season.

The industry requires around 6,000 tonnes of sugarcane each day to keep a mill operating efficiently.

Sugar Industry Tribunal Registrar Timothy Brown said the minimum cane supply needed for effective mill operations is approximately 2,000 tonnes per day, but this level is not sufficient to sustain 24-hour milling operations.

He said mills continue to face recurring early-season challenges linked to inconsistent cane supply, farmer uncertainty, fuel price pressures and other external influences.

“The industry continues to face recurring challenges at the start of each crushing season, including inconsistent cane supply, uncertainty among farmers, fuel price pressures and political influences,” Mr Brown said.

He said the situation is affecting the ability of mills to operate at full capacity.

“We are encouraging farmers to begin harvesting as soon as possible to ensure a continuous supply of cane for the mills,” he said.

Mr Brown said uncertainty over harvesting capacity remains a challenge, but efforts are ongoing to maintain a steady supply throughout the season.

The challenges are also being felt beyond the mills, with sugar availability in some retail outlets affected during periods of low production linked to supply disruptions.

Meanwhile, Minister for Sugar Tomasi Tunabuna has reaffirmed Government commitment to the sector, announcing measures aimed at supporting growers and ensuring a successful 2026 crushing season.