Opposition MP Viam Pillay has raised concerns in Parliament over the future of Fiji’s sugar industry, warning that more than 1,000 sugarcane leases are expected to expire by 2030.
Speaking during the debate on the President’s Address yesterday, Pillay said renewing the leases is critical to maintaining stability in cane production.
“There are more than a thousand sugarcane leases that are expected to expire by 2030. It is vital and in our nation’s interest that these leases be renewed so that there is stability in cane production,” he said.
Pillay also questioned claims that the sugar industry is improving.
“The first test is: is it true? Is it true that the sugar industry is growing? No. Production has continued to decline over recent seasons, and the 93,000 tonnes left unharvested proves the system is failing,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as a lack of support for farmers.
“Is it good? Is it good that while our farmers struggle, the Government’s priority has been its own comfort? It is not good that the people at the top are taken care of while the farmers are left to carry the weight of a failing industry, for example the burnt cane penalty,” Pillay said.
Pillay further argued that the current situation is not beneficial for farmers facing rising costs.
“Is it useful? I certainly do not think so, as the cost of living, cost of production and the cost of harvesting has burdened the farmer,” he said.
The opposition MP also criticised the progress of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Sugar, saying the body had yet to hold consultations.
“The Special Parliamentary Committee on Sugar so far has failed to meet, and as a result, the industry challenges that are complex and some which demand urgent attention are unheard,” Pillay said.
He called on Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who chairs the committee, to provide an update to Parliament.
“I do hope that the Honourable Prime Minister, who is the Chairman of this Committee, will give an update to this Parliament as to why not a single consultation has been done by the Committee, as farmers and stakeholders were eagerly waiting for the Committee to express their views on the way forward for the industry,” he said.
