The future of Fiji’s sugar industry hinges on the upcoming national budget, according to Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh. He said that key plans, including modernisation, farmer support, and boosting sugar production, will only move forward if sufficient funds are allocated.
“Every ministry is hoping for a bigger budget, but we can only act based on what the Ministry of Finance decides,” Singh explained.
He said there were indications that this year’s budget might see an increase in both sugar and multi-ethnic grants. However, he stressed that nothing is certain until the official budget announcement is made.
Singh outlined the ministry’s priority to continue supporting sugarcane farmers, particularly by maintaining current cane prices and offering better subsidies.
“We want to make sure that cane prices stay where they are, so farmers don’t lose out. We also aim to raise the level of subsidies they depend on,” he said.
The ministry is also pushing for the use of modern machinery, like double-row cane planters, to improve crop yields.
“With the right funding, we believe it’s possible to double productivity—from 47 tonnes to 100 tonnes per hectare. But that requires more equipment and proper training for farmers in modern techniques,” Singh noted.
Another major focus is the repair and upgrade of the country’s aging sugar mills.
“Some of these mills have been neglected for years. Fixing them will need a lot of investment,” he said, adding that improved mill efficiency would reduce waiting times for farmers during harvesting.
For now, the ministry’s ambitions remain on hold as it awaits the national budget to be presented by the Ministry of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister.
