Forty sugarcane growers in sectors within Tavua have been provided some relief with the reopening of a decommissioned railway line.
The railway line connected farmers from Drumasi, Yaladro and Tagitagi to Ba’s Rarawai Mill and was closed by the Fiji Sugar Corporation before the start of the 2025 crushing season.
The decision to reopen the railway line was made by Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh after consultations with the farmers who revealed their transportation challenges after the closure.
“We are already in the third week of harvesting, and time is of essence,” Mr Singh said.
“This decision reflects the ministry’s strong commitment to our cane farmers. Reactivating rail services in Tavua will help restore efficient and cost-effective cane delivery to Rarawai Mill and support the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry in the region.”
Meanwhile, the ministry confirmed restoration works on other tramline networks continued by FSC.
“As FSC begins restoration work on the tramlines, the farmers are encouraged to continue transporting cane by truck where possible to avoid disruptions to harvesting operations,” a ministry statement said.
Fiji Cane Lorries Association Rarawai president Atish Kumar said the reopening of the railway would ensure traffic at the mill was decreased.
He said while the FSC had been working closely with lorry operators to ensure transport issues were addressed, railway networks ensured turn-around times were kept to a reasonable time limit.
“We don’t want the lorry drivers stuck at the mill for more than 24 hours, so really the railway system is very important because it helps the drivers get back to their farms as soon as possible,” Mr Kumar said.
