Minister says sugar’s been ignored

SUGAR Minister Charan Jeath Singh claims the industry was largely ignored by the Bainimarama government.

He said the industry had been on a steady decline after the military coup 16 years ago and this had affecting thousands of growers.

“Let’s be honest, the Bainimarama government ignored this industry after the 2006 coup and concentrated more on tourism,” Mr Singh said.

“It was not until the last four years, he and his government suddenly realised the importance of the agro-based industries and the sugar industry being one.

“This major foreign export earner and once a booming and thriving industry became a little fellow in the equation.”

He said they would conduct meetings with various stakeholders to set in motion plans to revive the industry.

“I intend to discuss with the Fiji Sugar Corporation board on the various plans that they have to revive the industry and will also appoint some experts from our local pool of individuals that have experience and expertise to help me revive this industry to its former glory.”

Mr Singh said one area that would require urgent attention was mill operations.

“Mill efficiency needs to be improved and the TCTS (tonnes cane to tonne sugar) needs to be brought to an acceptable level in every mill to world milling standards.

“The quality and type of cane grown in various parts in Fiji needs to be relooked at along with climate change issues and soil fertility checks.

“We need to shift our focus on the various cane varieties that we should introduce to increase cane yield per hectare.

“We also need to improve the rail transportation system urgently so that farmers cost of transporting cane to mill drastically drops while we also ease the use of cane trucks on the road which will also help motorist have a safe drive on our roads.”