The future of Fiji’s sugar industry is under threat, according to Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry. He alleges that government inaction is pushing the key sector towards collapse, reported Fiji Times.
He said, “Farmers are being crushed under the weight of expiring land leases and sky-high premiums.” Chaudhry further pointed to record-low production levels in 2024, with only 1.3 million tonnes of cane harvested, one of the worst yields in FijiтАЩs history.
тАЬThis is the lowest crop ever recorded, even Cyclone Winston didnтАЩt cause this level of damage,тАЭ Chaudhry said. тАЬThe numbers donтАЩt lie. The sugar industry is dying.тАЭ
Finance Minister Biman Prasad hit back at ChaudhryтАЩs claims, insisting the current administration has done more to support farmers than previous governments.
тАЬIn just two years, weтАЩve introduced financial assistance for cane planting and fertilizer subsidies,тАЭ Prasad said. тАЬChaudhry is ignoring the progress we have made. This government remains committed to helping our farmers.тАЭ
