FIJI’s agricultural leadership is doubling down on technological modernisation and inclusive growth to secure the future of the nation’s vital sugarcane sector.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Sugar Cane Growers Fund’s Document Management System, chatbot, and GEDSI framework, Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Tomasi Tunabuna highlighted the critical role of innovation in overcoming persistent industry challenges, including high operational costs, labour shortages, and climate impacts.
“The sugar industry, for that matter, cannot remain outside research,” he said.
“We are developing a comprehensive plan for the sugar industry with a strong focus on modernisation, improved productivity, innovations, and enhanced quality of sugar products.”
The newly introduced Document Management System and chatbot are key components of this strategy, aligning closely with national development plans that advocate for technology-enabled products and gender-sensitive fintech ecosystems.
Mr Tunabuna commended the collaborative efforts of local management and international partners, including the Asian Development Bank, in bringing the project to fruition while also ensuring that growers must remain at the centre of everything that they do.
