FSC performance ‘not encouraging’
THE performance of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) “has not been very encouraging”, stated the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs after its review of the FSC 2007-2019 Annual Reports.
The committee stated necessary support must be extended to the FSC to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry.
“The committee is well aware of the important roles played by the Fiji Sugar Corporation.
“Given that FSC undertook various projects over the period under review and will continue to do so, it is imperative that strong project governance procedures be implemented for all major projects to ensure effective management structures and disciplines are followed.
“The committee noted a significant decline in the number of active growers during the period under review due to factors including, but not limited to, tenure of lease being too short, not enough modern farming practices and lack of training.
“The committee recommends that FSC, together with various stakeholders in the industry as well as commercial banks, formulate more effective strategies and incentives to revive inactive farmers and entice new farmers into joining the industry.
“The committee is of the view that FSC needs to diversify its product ranges such as icing sugar, sugar syrup, ethanol and jaggery to boost its revenue generation in the local and international markets.”