Farmers face losses as Rarawai mill shuts over weekend

The National Farmers Union (NFU) has accused the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) of delaying milling at the Rarawai Sugar Mill, putting farmers at risk despite strong cane supply.

The NFU criticised FSC for keeping the Rarawai Mill closed on Saturday and Sunday, December 27 and 28, even though cane deliveries were strong.

NFU general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry said favourable post-Christmas weather had allowed farmers to harvest and transport cane efficiently, but the opportunity was wasted.

He said more than 60 lorries loaded with cane arrived at the mill on Saturday morning but drivers were instructed to park their vehicles and return on Monday.

“This decision stopped other laden trucks from being sent to the mill until early Sunday, causing unnecessary delays,” Mr Chaudhry said.

He said the situation was especially serious given that the mill had been shut for nearly three months earlier this year due to fire damage.

Mr Chaudhry claimed more than 100,000 tonnes of cane in Ra, Tavua and Ba remained uncrushed, with the milling season nearing its end.

He said the FSC’s actions showed a lack of urgency while farmers faced the possibility of losing a full year’s income and investment.

“The Government assured farmers that every stick of cane would be crushed, but this promise now appears uncertain,” he said.

FSC assurance

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on December 6, the FSC said that despite weeks of scrutiny, criticism and intense pressure, the Rarawai Mill had been restored and was fully operational following the September 17 powerhouse incident.

“What many believed was mission impossible has been delivered with precision, speed and absolute commitment,” FSC stated.

“In just weeks, our teams achieved one of the most significant restoration efforts in FSC’s history, restoring critical systems, completing major maintenance, and ensuring every safety and operational requirement was met.”

The statement said engineers, technicians, contractors, suppliers, harvesting gangs, lorry operators, field teams and support staff worked through a demanding period to bring the mill back online.

“They have now brought Rarawai Mill back to a position that is safe, stable and ready to serve our growers and communities,” FSC said.

No comments could be sought from the Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh.