Sugar Minister Warns FSC: Help Farmers or Answer to Me

Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh has issued a strong warning to Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) staff to step up support for growers — or face him directly.

Speaking at the Meet the Press Town hall meeting in Ba last night, Mr Singh said many farmers were struggling with low cane yields and needed better technical guidance and assistance from FSC officers.

“If you want more money in the sugar industry, you need to double your crops,” he said.

“In Labasa, on my own farm, I’m producing 130 tonnes per hectare, while here some are sitting at 40 tonnes.”

Mr Singh said government and FSC had introduced new machines — including cane planters and fertilizer applicators — along with 14 types of assistance schemes for farmers.

“I’m asking FSC to go everywhere and give farmers the guidance and advice they need,” he said.

“And if they do not help you — you’re most welcome to come see me. I want every farmer to be helped.”