The government will initiate comprehensive study of Fiji’s sugar sector, focusing on six critical areas, with tender documents now accessible to the public.
These areas under scrutiny include sugarcane cultivation and research advancements, milling and sugar production, institutional and legislative review, infrastructure enhancements, harvesting and transportation, and environmental considerations, including climate change resilience. Additionally, the study will explore opportunities for expansion, such as establishing a new sugar factory, sugar refinery, ethanol plant, and increasing co-generation capacity.
“The Fijian Government is dedicated to revitalizing and sustaining its sugar industry to bolster rural livelihoods,” affirms the tender document.
The document highlights the assistance provided to farmers through grants and subsidies aimed at reducing input costs, improving cane planting, upgrading infrastructure, supporting new farmers in establishing farms, offering production incentives, and subsidizing manual labor, including ensuring cane payments.
“Despite these measures, production has not met projected levels.”
“Therefore, there is a necessity for a comprehensive evaluation of Fiji’s sugar sector to pinpoint gaps and formulate a strategy for its long-term viability.”
