A parliamentary committee tasked with addressing challenges in Fiji’s sugar industry will travel to the Western Division this week to hear directly from farmers, millers and other key stakeholders as efforts continue to revive the sector.
The Special Committee on the Sugar Industry, which met at Parliament on Friday, said restoring confidence among cane farmers remains a key priority, with members stressing the need for clear communication about government assistance already available to growers.
The committee announced it will conduct consultations in the Western Division on Wednesday, 8 July, and Thursday, 9 July, providing farmers and industry stakeholders with an opportunity to raise concerns and suggest ways to improve the long-term viability and sustainability of the sugar industry.
The visit comes as the committee confirmed that cane harvesting is continuing in both the Western and Northern divisions.
Members also referred to a letter from National Farmers Union General Secretary Mahendra Chaudhry to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, in which he stated that “cane farmers are not on strike.”
As part of measures aimed at encouraging harvesting, the committee said the Government will increase the subsidy paid to manual harvesters from $3 to $5 per tonne to recognise their contribution and boost harvesting activity.
The committee also addressed concerns raised by farmers over the security of their standing cane crops. It said it had consulted with the Ministry of Policing for the Fiji Police to increase patrols throughout the cane belt to provide reassurance and protection for farmers who may fear intimidation or retaliation.
The committee said discussions will continue beyond this week’s consultations, with further meetings planned to examine the future direction of the sugar industry, including opportunities for diversification.
The Government also acknowledged the continued cooperation and contribution of all stakeholders involved in the sugar industry.
The Sugar Sugar Committee is chaired by Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka.
Members include Professor Biman Prasad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism Viliame Gavoka, Manoa Kamikamica, Minister for Sugar and Multi-Ethnic Affairs Tomasi Tunabuna, Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu, a member designated by the Leader of the Opposition, and Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua.
