THE prolonged dry spell continues to raise concerns among cane growers as they round up the 2026 crushing season.
Lautoka Cane Producers Association president Bala Dass said next year’s harvest could be at risk.
“I am very concerned about next season because while we were able to cushion some of the impact of the dry weather this season, we might not be able to do that in 2027,” he said.
“We were told to save water, or use water sparingly and save stock feed for our farm animals but what happens when the wells and driver dry up completely?
“Where will we able to source water from?”
Mr Dass said growers were able to harvest their cane this year because preparations had begun last year.
“This time around, preparing our land for replanting will be difficult. We will need some sustainable solutions to address this before farms go completely dry.”
Mr Dass recalled the national drought of 1998 when the current Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka approved emergency assistance for farmers.
“They had supplied seedlings and feedstock for our animals. At least that gave us some relief.”
According to the World Bank Group’s 2026 Country and Climate Development Report on Fiji, sugar production is decreasing while subsidies have locked resources into low productivity activities despite rising domestic and regional demand for fresh foods. In 2024-2025, sugarcane support totalled $70.7million.
