Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
09/19/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/18/2025 20:35
GOVERNMENT ASSURES SUGAR CANE FARMERS AMIDST...
The Government, through the Ministry for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, has assured sugar cane farmers at the Rarawai Mill area for their continued support following the recent fire at the Rarawai Sugar Mill in Ba.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Hon. Charan Jeath Singh together with the Acting Prime Minister/Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Biman Prasad, visited the Rarawai Sugar Mill today to assess the damage caused by the devastating fire and meet with key stakeholders, including sugar mill workers, farmers, and the Rarawai Lorry Drivers Association of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC).
The visit aimed to provide an update on the government's immediate actions and commitments to ensuring the ongoing operations.
Minister Singh reassured farmers that despite the challenges posed by the fire, all sugar cane will be harvested this season. He emphasized that the government, through the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), is fully committed to the timely harvesting of sugar cane in supplied to the Ba mill.
Close to 400,000 tons of cane remain to be harvested at the Rarawai mill and Lautoka Mill, and the Ministry will work in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the harvesting proceeds without further hindrances.
"We understand the struggles our farmers are facing during this difficult time," said Minister Singh.
The government through the assures the farmers that no cane will be left behind. The Lautoka Sugar Mill will cater to the cane from Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki, and all farmers will have their canes harvested as planned.
In a further assurance, Minister Singh confirmed that no FSC staff will be laid off due to the fire, and all employees will retain their jobs and job security. Additionally, the government will be providing financial support to farmers who are affected by the additional transportation costs resulting from the diversion of cane to the Lautoka Sugar Mill.
To mitigate the impact on farmers, the Ministry, through the FSC, will offer a compensation of additional $15 per tonne to farmers supplying cane to the Rarawai Sugar Mill. This financial assistance aims to help cover the increased transportation costs incurred as a result of the fire at Rarawai.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Hon. Charan Jeath Singh together with the Acting Prime Minister/Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Biman Prasad, visited the Rarawai Sugar Mill today to assess the damage caused by the devastating fire and meet with key stakeholders, including sugar mill workers, farmers, and the Rarawai Lorry Drivers Association of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC).
The visit aimed to provide an update on the government's immediate actions and commitments to ensuring the ongoing operations.
Minister Singh reassured farmers that despite the challenges posed by the fire, all sugar cane will be harvested this season. He emphasized that the government, through the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), is fully committed to the timely harvesting of sugar cane in supplied to the Ba mill.
Close to 400,000 tons of cane remain to be harvested at the Rarawai mill and Lautoka Mill, and the Ministry will work in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that the harvesting proceeds without further hindrances.
"We understand the struggles our farmers are facing during this difficult time," said Minister Singh.
The government through the assures the farmers that no cane will be left behind. The Lautoka Sugar Mill will cater to the cane from Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki, and all farmers will have their canes harvested as planned.
In a further assurance, Minister Singh confirmed that no FSC staff will be laid off due to the fire, and all employees will retain their jobs and job security. Additionally, the government will be providing financial support to farmers who are affected by the additional transportation costs resulting from the diversion of cane to the Lautoka Sugar Mill.
To mitigate the impact on farmers, the Ministry, through the FSC, will offer a compensation of additional $15 per tonne to farmers supplying cane to the Rarawai Sugar Mill. This financial assistance aims to help cover the increased transportation costs incurred as a result of the fire at Rarawai.
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