Secure markets and restore scholarships, Government urged

Securing markets for agricultural produce and restoring scholarship funding for Fiji National University should be among the Government's top priorities in the 2026-2027 National Budget, according to Rakiraki businessman and former politician George Shiu Raj.

Mr Raj made the submissions during the national budget consultation process, urging Government to strengthen support for both the agriculture and education sectors.

He said greater efforts were needed to secure stable markets for agricultural products such as cassava and dalo to prevent crop wastage and ensure farmers received fair returns.

Mr Raj also highlighted the importance of the sugar industry, noting that it supports about 250,000 people directly and indirectly and remains a vital part of Fiji's economy, particularly in rural communities.

He raised concerns about rising production costs, including labour, harvesting and land rental expenses, and called for a cane price of $110 per tonne.

“Why should any Government let our cane farmers suffer? We are assets to the country, and if the Government allows us to suffer, it affects the entire nation,” Mr Raj said.

He said the Coalition Government should prioritise securing stable markets for agricultural products and continue supporting key sectors such as sugar and agriculture.

Mr Raj also stressed the importance of the Ministry of Sugar and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests, describing them as critical to Fiji's economic and social wellbeing.

Warning that increasing costs were placing pressure on farmers, he said:

“Harvesting costs have increased to about $35 per tonne, while labour and rental expenses have also risen significantly.”

On education, Mr Raj expressed concern over reductions in scholarship funding for Fiji National University, saying the cuts could limit opportunities for students and affect the country's long-term development.

“The Government should review and restore Fiji National University scholarship funding to between $60million and $70m to ensure equitable access to higher education for students,” he said.

“Continued government investment in tertiary education is crucial for the nation’s future.”