Bula
Sugar continues to make the headlines in The Fiji Times for another day. It’s one of the stories on Page 1 of The Fiji Times for Friday, February 21.
FORMER permanent secretary in the 2006 interim government, Professor Richard Beyer believes Fiji’s sugar industry has the potential to cater to niche markets instead of focussing on large-scale supply only.
We have also been drawn into the Palestinian and Israeli conflict: FIJI’S decision to establish an embassy in Jerusalem has attracted sharp criticism from Palestine’s governing body. However, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka remains steadfast, saying the establishment of the facility had been budgeted for.
And we have the latest on the Malimali case: THE Judicial Services Commission (JSC) confirmed yesterday that Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner Barbara Malimali has been placed on leave.
Synopsis
Facing the sugar crisis!
FORMER permanent secretary in the 2006 interim government Professor Richard Beyer makes an important point about the sugar industry that deserves attention.
His suggestions that we should be considering niche markets, and that we should consider strategies that raise the profile of our sugar are ‘top shelf’ views that add value to the campaign to restore the industry to its former glory days.
In fact he makes a lot of sense, thinking outside the box.
The industry has long been connected to politics. The cane belts were once the domain of key politicians who would motivate farmers and their families to support them.
So as much as we may want to get that out of the system, history will confirm the connections, and the depth of involvement of political parties in the mechanics of how the industry was once run.
So now as we search for answers, to restore some dignity to an industry that once provided the economic backbone for our nation, solutions can mean power.
Again, we say this week has been quite enlightening and empowering as experts come forward with their views about inching the industry out of the crisis it has fallen into!
People like Professor Beyer carry a wealth of experience and exposure that are vital for the survival of such an industry.
The challenge though will be on how much we want to do, and how much we are willing to sacrifice to make things happen.
There is a sense of urgency out there. The sugar industry is on the verge of collapse. People are leaving in droves. Many farmers have given up. Families who once relied on sugarcane to put food on their tables are looking elsewhere. Their children have left, not keen to continue the legacy their fathers and mothers, and grandparents worked hard to build up.
What were once healthy cane fields have been replaced by other crops and in many places, overgrown grass!
In the face of all these challenges, Professor Beyer believes the sugar industry will need to offer lucrative returns to attract young people to get into sugarcane farming.
Return for effort, he said, that’s what motivates people.
Why do we work? It’s because someone’s paying us!
“People go down coal mines, they work on oil rigs. Why? Because someone pays them to do it.
“They put in the effort, they expect to get something for it.
“And that’s what’s gonna happen to the sugarcane farmers.”
He said the sugar industry was losing labourers and farmers because children of farmers were getting educated and moving on.
It makes sense.
So again, we say, the challenge is going to be on how we can manage expectations, and motivate young people to return to the land, or to see value in the land!
Let’s face it. They are already travelling across to Australia under the NEC scheme for instance to work in farms there.
Then there’s the bit about land leases. We must also raise the issue of landowners and their concerns.
Everyone should benefit in the long run.
These important discussions must continue for the sake of our industry, and for all those still connected to it.
We look at the possibilities, and wonder whether we have the will to make a difference!
