The National Farmers Union (NFU) has strongly opposed a move by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) to discontinue rail line services between Tavua and Ba, describing the proposal as “absurd”.
The application, now before the Sugar Industry Tribunal, has also drawn concern from growers already facing rising production and transport costs.
NFU general secretary Mahendra Chaudhry questioned the timing and rationale behind the proposal, pointing to a recent government directive to restore rail operations.
“As late as July 2025, the former Minister for the Sugar Industry directed FSC to immediately reactivate the rail line from Lausa Loop to Tawatawa Point in Tavua to reduce high transport costs for farmers,” Mr Chaudhry said.
He added that a government grant of $1.7 million had been provided to FSC to carry out urgent maintenance works, which were completed around September last year.
“Why then is FSC proposing to discontinue the rail service now?” he asked.
Mr Chaudhry said the move was illogical, particularly given the current rise in fuel prices, which continues to place pressure on cane farmers.
“Considering the soaring cost of fuel, it would make perfect sense to reactivate all rail lines, not shut them down and pass additional transport costs onto farmers,” he said.
The union noted that the Sugar Cane Growers Council has also opposed the proposal.
Mr Chaudhry called on the Government to intervene and direct FSC to withdraw its application and comply with the earlier ministerial directive.
“This is another case of the government’s right hand not knowing what its left hand is doing,” he said.
The matter now awaits determination by the Sugar Industry Tribunal.
