Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stepped forward to clarify and defend the government’s proposed reforms for the struggling sugar industry. Addressing concerns raised by the public, Mr. Rabuka asserted that focusing on establishing single, efficient sugar mills, coupled with improved land management and farming techniques, holds the key to significantly increasing Fiji’s sugar production, reports The Fiji Times.
In his weekly column, “A Conversation with the PM,” Mr. Rabuka responded to reader feedback published in The Fiji Times, emphasizing that modernizing the sugar sector goes beyond simply reducing the number of existing mills.
“One efficient sugar mill supported by the right acreage of land yielding enough tonnage of good quality sugar-laden cane can increase the national sugar production,” the Prime Minister stated.
He further elaborated that adopting modern agricultural practices, including mechanical cultivation, harvesters, and effective fertilizers, could lead to a more sustainable and productive industry.
“It would also free up acres of land for other crops and new income crops for farmers,” Mr. Rabuka pointed out, highlighting the potential for diversification within the agricultural sector.
The Prime Minister also sought to clear up any misunderstanding surrounding recent comments made by Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh regarding the idea of “one mill.” Mr. Rabuka clarified that the Minister’s vision involves a more regional approach.
“Hon. CJ Singh was not talking about only one sugar mill,” Mr. Rabuka explained. “He would have been talking about one mill each for Vanua Levu and one for Western Viti Levu.”
These comments come after strong reactions from readers who voiced their skepticism about reducing the number of mills at a time when cane production has been declining. Some critics labeled the idea a “joke” and argued that it contradicted the objective of increasing sugar output.
In response to this public outcry, Prime Minister Rabuka reassured the nation that no definitive decisions have been made regarding the structure of the sugar industry. He emphasized that the Sugar Minister’s proposals are currently undergoing internal review within the government.
“The Hon. Minister for Sugar is trying all sorts of ways to revive the sugar industry,” Mr. Rabuka affirmed. “All his findings will be put into a Cabinet paper for decision.”
He concluded by underscoring the process of policy formation, stating, “What a minister says is not government policy until it is agreed to by cabinet, and if it needs legislative authority Parliament.” This suggests that any significant changes to the sugar industry will be subject to thorough deliberation and approval at the highest levels of government.
