There have been numerous arson incidents on sugar cane farms in the West, putting pressure on the Lautoka mill to process burnt cane as quickly as possible, says Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh.
He assured Parliament on Monday that despite the challenges, all sugarcane will be processed at the Lautoka mill.
“We have assured all the farmers in all the districts, right from Rakiraki to Tavua and Ba, that we will give priority to your cane on a two-quota per farm on a daily basis,” Mr Singh said.
“We have also assured the lorry drivers that all their transport costs will also be taken care of.”
He said the Fiji Sugar Corporation was trying its best to assist all farmers whose sugarcane farm had burnt down due to arson.
“We only have one mill now, and canes are coming from all districts. Obviously, we are concerned about the farmers.
“We want to increase the quotas, but again, the mill has to have the capability to crush it out.
“My FSC team is definitely trying to assist the farmers with that.”
Mr Singh also told the Parliament that if all goes well, the sugar mill in Ba will be fixed in two months’ time.
“The CEO and the team assured us that if they get all the parts on time, they should be able to get the maintenance and fix the mill within two months.
“We have already informed the insurers. They have come in as well, and the whole mill is covered by insurance.
“Had the Rakiraki Mill been in operation today, we would not have this big pressure on Lautoka mill.”
