The sugar industry in Fiji faces significant threats of flooding as the only annual crushing season approaches; flood-related damage poses risks to farmer incomes and national sugar production, highlighting the urgent need for assessments and recovery plans.
Severe flooding in the Western region has inflicted heavy damage on sugarcane farms, necessitating immediate assessments and recovery strategies by the government.
Tomasi Tunabuna, the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways, and Sugar Industry, stated that assessment teams are currently evaluating crop losses due to extensive flooding in the Western Division.
During his address at the Sugar Cane Growers Fund event in Lautoka on Wednesday, Tunabuna noted that the sugar sector is already facing challenges such as mill disruptions and increasing production costs, compounded by this new crisis.
“Our teams are actively conducting initial evaluations. We are assessing the scale of damage with a focus on crop losses in sugarcane fields,” he remarked.
He acknowledged that floodwaters have inundated cane fields, hindered access roads, and delayed preparations for the forthcoming crushing season.
“There is only one crushing season for sugar. While there will be assistance for recovery efforts, it will be contingent upon the findings from ongoing surveys and assessments.”
Tunabuna mentioned that evaluations commenced three days prior, with personnel working tirelessly to compile detailed reports.
“At this moment, we lack precise statistics; however, our team is dedicatedly working around the clock to gather these figures. Once we have a clearer understanding of the situation, we can initiate support for affected farmers.”
