Fiji’s 2025 sugarcane crushing season may extend into mid-December or even the first week of January 2026, as more than 355,000 tonnes of cane remain uncrushed across the Lautoka, Rarawai, and Penang mill zones.
Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh revealed the figures in Parliament last Thursday, warning that delays, especially the uncertainty around the Rarawai Mill’s operations, could push the crushing season well beyond its normal timeframe.
As of August, 19,000 tonnes of cane were still in the Lautoka area, while the Rarawai and Penang zones accounted for a further 265,000 tonnes.
The Lautoka Mill is currently crushing 4,500 to 5,500 tonnes per day.
He used the opportunity to stress the importance of Government’s support to the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), warning that without financial stability, timely farmer payments and job security would be at risk.
The Minister called for urgent investment in a new modern mill for Viti Levu and reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting over 10,000 cane farmers and modernising the industry to withstand future challenges.
“These are not easy days for the industry,” he said, “but with unity and resilience, we will emerge stronger.”
