More than 80,000 tonnes of sugarcane from the 2025 season remain uncut, placing about $8 million in expected revenue at risk, industry officials have confirmed, the Fiji Sun reported.
Growers have been unable to harvest much of their crop due to a shortage of workers, limited access to harvesting equipment, and poor weather conditions.
The Sugar Cane Growers Council said its review found large amounts of standing cane across Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The unharvested crop includes both burnt and green cane.
According to the council, this year has recorded the highest level of unharvested cane in recent times.
Some farmers were unable to harvest any of their crop, leaving them with no income despite spending on land preparation, labour, and transportation.
The council said the situation worsened after a fire at the Rarawai mill, which left only one mill operating in Viti Levu. The delay pushed harvesting into the rainy season.
Heavy rainfall and waterlogged fields disrupted cutting and transport, damaged machinery, and are expected to reduce output next season.
Many farmers are now under financial pressure as they struggle to meet loan repayments and land lease payments.
The council has taken the matter to the Sugar Industry Tribunal to seek possible compensation for affected growers.
It has also called on banks and other lenders to grant permanent loan waivers and provide relief on land rent.
The council further noted that under the Micro Bundled Insurance scheme, farmers who recorded no harvest are not eligible for support. It said there is an urgent need for broader crop insurance to protect growers from weather-related and operational risks.
