‘Sugar industry on the decline, needs a boost’
WE have to come up with a strategy to move the Sugar Industry forward involving all stakeholders, says Minister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh.
He said the industry has been on the decline for the many years and needed a boost to revive the once important sector.
“The Prime Minister saw it fit that I take charge of the Sugar Industry as the industry and the Fiji Sugar Corporation is technically insolvent,” he said.
“The Government has been pouring millions and millions of dollars over the past two decades and yet the production of cane has been on the decline.
“We have to bring all stakeholders together and set up a strategy that can move this industry into a profitable mode and at the same time our farmers producing cane get a better price.”
He said he wanted to ensure he produced results for the thousands of voters that elected him into Government.
“I feel extremely pleased with the confidence the voters had in me and for them to have given such a high number of votes. This just goes to show that they are behind me and, of course, expect results from me as well.”
Welcoming their new minister, Sugar Cane Growers Council CEO Vimal Dutt said they were looking forward to receiving directions, policy frameworks and strategies to take the industry forward.
“Canegrowers have a worth in the industry being the main key stakeholder. They deserve a balanced and coordinated consideration pertaining to day-to-day affairs for long term sustainability of the industry,” he said.
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