Despite ongoing efforts and pledges to improve harvesting practices, the percentage of burnt sugarcane delivered to Fiji Sugar Corporation mills has shown no meaningful decline over the past five years, the corporation’s latest annual report reveals.
Data from the 2025 report, presented by FSC CEO Bhan Singh, shows that the overall rate of burnt cane delivery has fluctuated between 44% and 56% since 2020, with the 2024 figure stuck at 54%.
This stagnation indicates that the industry has made little headway in shifting away from the traditional practice of pre-harvest burning, which reduces sugar quality and yield.
The Lautoka and Rarawai mill areas consistently recorded the highest rates, with Lautoka peaking at 62% in 2020 and again reaching 61% in 2024.
Rarawai recorded its highest level in 2024 at 62%.
The Labasa mill area, while generally lower, saw a worrying jump to 46% in 2021 and 44% in 2024, after a low of 30% in 2022.
“Legislative amendments to the Master Award are necessary to curb continued burning,” said Mr Singh.
The Master Award is the overarching legal framework governing the sugar industry and is set for a review soon.
