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 Fiji’s history.
“This is the lowest crop ever recorded, even Cyclone Winston didn’t cause this level of damage,” Chaudhry said. “The numbers don’t lie. The sugar industry is dying.”
Finance Minister Biman Prasad hit back at Chaudhry’s claims, insisting the current administration has done more to support farmers than previous governments.
“In just two years, we’ve introduced financial assistance for cane planting and fertilizer subsidies,” Prasad said. “Chaudhry is ignoring the progress we have made. This government remains committed to helping our farmers.”
