Outgoing Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh said he is leaving the sugar sector confident that firm groundwork has been put in place for its recovery after three years of reform and stabilization, reports Fiji Sun.
Speaking at the handover of New Farmers Assistance Grants and Lease Renewal Agreements at the Ministry of Sugar office in Lautoka this week, Singh said he believed he had given his best to the industry during a difficult period.
From January 19, Singh will take on the role of Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Public Enterprises as part of the cabinet reshuffle announced by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in December.
Singh said it had been a privilege to serve the sugar industry over the past three years, working with farmers, mill workers, drivers, technical teams and other stakeholders who faced some of the toughest challenges the sector has known.
He said the industry was in a fragile state when he assumed office, marked by falling productivity, rising costs, ageing mills and strained relationships between growers, mills and the government.
According to Singh, the government shifted its approach by encouraging cooperation instead of conflict, focusing on long-term solutions rather than temporary measures, and promoting shared responsibility across the sector. He said this approach helped rebuild trust and confidence among stakeholders.
One clear sign of renewed confidence, Singh said, was the improvement in cane payments to farmers. Under the Coalition Government, farmers received the highest cane payments recorded in Fiji, with payments of $91.38 per tonne for the 2022 crop, $105.08 per tonne for the 2023 crop and $101.13 per tonne for the 2024 crop.
He said these results reflected better coordination, strong government backing and the effort and resilience of farmers.
Singh also pointed to progress toward the government’s target of increasing annual cane production by 200,000 tonnes, supported by better mill performance, improved transport systems, governance changes and increased field support.
He said the Rarawai mill had resumed operations following a fire in September 2025, while work continued on longer-term projects, including the assessment of potential investors for a proposed modern sugar mill in Rakiraki.
The planned Rakiraki facility is expected to produce raw and refined sugar, ethanol and electricity, creating new opportunities for growers and nearby communities.
Singh said the government’s position has been clear that it is committed to strengthening, not closing, sugar-dependent communities.
He added that the New Farmer and Lease Premium Assistance Programme remains central to that commitment. Nationwide, the programme has supported 587 farmers with government funding of $2.7 million. In Lautoka, eight farmers received grants totalling $43,479, while 16 farmers in Labasa are expected to receive $78,473 later this week.
Singh said the grants are intended to provide stability and confidence for farmers and to support the long-term future of the cane industry.
As he steps away from direct responsibility for the sugar sector, Singh said he remains confident that the foundations for its recovery are in place and that his support for the industry will continue.
