The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is struggling to secure reliable international buyers due to the increasing prevalence of burnt cane, said Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh.
Speaking In Rakiraki yesterday, he said the government is doing what it can to support those affected by crop destruction, but stressed that burnt cane is damaging not just individual livelihoods, but the entire industry.
“The issue of burnt cane is not only a challenge for individual farmers but for the entire sugar industry,” he said.
“The increasing amount of burning, especially in the Rakiraki area, has been damaging to the quality of sugar that we produce.”
He confirmed that FSC is now facing difficulty attracting reliable buyers for Fiji’s sugar because of poor product quality linked to cane burning,
“If this continues, we risk reduced prices for our sugar on the global market, which means less income for every farmer. We must all take responsibility and take critical action to put a stop to this practice.”
He also acknowledged the hardship caused by pre-season fires.
“We want to help you re-establish your lost crop and encourage your continued participation in sugarcane farming.”