THE Government has not lost hope in reviving the sugar industry despite growing concerns over declining sugarcane production in parts of Fiji, says Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh.

Mr Singh told reporters that while sugarcane production was increasing in Vanua Levu, the situation in the Western Division remains more complex due to alternative farming opportunities for growers.

“In Vanua Levu production is going up because farmers there have very few other choices,” Mr Singh said.

“This year’s crop estimation looks very good and is expected to surpass last year’s production.”

However, in the West, many farmers have diversified into other agricultural crops, slowing the pace of recovery for the sugar industry.

Mr Singh said the Government was actively supporting farmers through nearly 15 different types of assistance aimed at boosting sugarcane production.

“We know that the recovery is not happening as fast as we would like.

“But if we continue providing these grants and incentives, I’m confident that more farmers will return to sugarcane.”

Responding to a question on the price of sugar, Mr Singh pointed out that sugar was a global commodity, meaning that Fiji’s prices were dependent on the world market.

“We can’t just increase the price of sugar locally. It depends on global market conditions.”