Rarawai Mill to reopen, Government backs farmers

Hundreds of sugarcane farmers in the Western Division can resume full harvesting next month as the Rarawai Mill prepares to reopen.

A fire at the mill in September had halted crushing operations.

Charan Jeath Singh, told Parliament on Wednesday that about 194,440 tonnes of cane remain unharvested in the Rarawai Mill area, including Penang.

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry said the mill’s total seasonal estimate stood at 607,000 tonnes, meaning roughly 32 per cent of the crop is still to be harvested.

FSC Rarawai Mill in Ba.

Photo: DEPTFO News

He expects the Rarawai Mill to resume crushing in the first week of December, allowing farmers to deliver the remaining cane before the rainy season begins.

To ease the burden on growers, Government has provided a $15-per-tonne subsidy for cane transported from Rarawai and Lautoka to other mills.

So far, 74,494 tonnes have been transferred at a cost of $1.1 million to Government.

The Lautoka Mill, now processing around 25,000 tonnes per week, still has about 47,760 tonnes yet to be harvested, representing 14 per cent of its total crop.

Mr Singh called on growers to act quickly, noting that 425 farmers, including 250 from Rarawai, have yet to start harvesting.

“While Government continues to assist, farmers must act swiftly to complete their harvests. We cannot do it alone,” he said.

When questioned on possible compensation for cane lost to bad weather, the minister said such events were “beyond Government control”, but support measures were being implemented where possible.

He reaffirmed that the sugar industry remains a key priority for the Coalition Government, with continued focus on mill performance, farmer livelihoods and restoring confidence in the sector.

Opposition members welcomed the update, but urged the ministry to explore long-term relief for farmers affected by climate-related challenges.

The Rarawai Mill’s reopening in December will bring relief to hundreds of growers and boost momentum for the completion of Fiji’s 2025 crushing season.