ABOUT 80 per cent of farms tested on Vanua Levu and 40 to 50 per cent on Viti Levu were found to be highly acidic.
While presenting the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence’s review of the Ministry of Sugar Industry 2020-2021 Annual Report recently, chairperson Lenora Qereqeretabua described the industry’s ongoing challenges.
“Evidence from the site visit showed a substantial decline in grower participation, while labour shortages continue to increase harvesting costs and place additional pressure on farmers,” Ms Qereqeretabua said.
“Another important finding relates to farm productivity.
“The committee heard that approximately 80 per cent of farms tested in Vanua Levu and 40 per cent to 50 per cent in Viti Levu were highly acidic.
“Fiji’s average sugarcane yield was reportedly at 40 to 50 tonnes per hectare, compared with 80 to 100 tonnes per hectare in comparable countries.”
She said better soil management, replanting, appropriate fertiliser application, and improved farming practices were critical.
She said ageing mill infrastructure was adding to the industry’s problems.
“At Rarawai Mill, boilers commissioned in 1945 and 1979 remain in operation.
“Ageing infrastructure combined with insufficient cane supply contributes to maintenance challenges, mill stoppages, and higher operating costs.”
Ms Qereqeretabua raised 14 recommendations that include a comprehensive strategy to reverse the decline in cane production and grower participation with measurable targets for production, land under cultivation, grower retention, succession planning and stronger investment in farm productivity, research and extension services.
