'God controls the weather', Minister’s remark fuels debate

Tensions flared in Parliament this week as Opposition MPs confronted Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, over the Government’s response to the Rarawai Mill shutdown.

Concerns were raised that thousands of tonnes of sugarcane could be left to rot in the fields.

Responding to a question from Opposition MP Viam Pillay, Mr Singh revealed that as of October 30, approximately 194,440 tonnes of cane remain unharvested in the Rarawai and Penang areas—32 per cent of the total crop. He said 412,560 tonnes, or 68 per cent, had already been harvested.

Following a fire in September, over 74,000 tonnes of cane were redirected to Lautoka Mill, with the Government spending more than $1.1 million and providing a $15 per tonne subsidy to assist farmers with transport costs.

However, Mr Singh criticised some growers, stating that 425 farmers in the Rarawai and Lautoka areas had “not harvested a single stalk” this season. He urged MPs to visit farms and encourage harvesting rather than “spending time on social media.” His comments sparked strong reactions across the floor.

Opposition MPs pushed back, citing financial losses from burnt-cane penalties, late quota distribution, and poor mill performance. MP Praveen Bala asked if the Government would compensate farmers affected by bad weather.

“One of the biggest issues is the financial loss farmers face due to late quota distribution,” he said. “What is the Ministry doing to assist them?” he asked

Mr Singh replied sharply, “Rain, hurricane, or cyclone is not controlled by me. It is controlled by God. If it happens, we will then decide.”

That response drew a fiery reaction from Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu, who said, “You do not control the weather, but the Government controls the money, so give it to the farmers.”

Adding to the heated exchange, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya questioned if Lautoka Mill had the capacity to process the remaining 191,000 tonnes of cane.

Mr Singh assured that Lautoka was “crushing 2,500 tonnes per day” and that Rarawai Mill would resume operations on December.

Despite reassurances, Opposition MPs warned that the Government must act quickly to prevent further losses, as Fiji’s sugar industry faces one of its toughest seasons yet.

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