Farmers leaving sugar need practical alternatives

Fiji's Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna stressed the critical need for modernizing the sugar industry, emphasizing that any reforms must be accompanied by robust support for affected farming communities. Speaking on the Fiji Sugar Corporation's annual reports, Tunabuna highlighted the mounting pressures on sugarcane growers, including escalating production costs, persistent labor shortages, land tenure issues, and the increasing impacts of climate change. These factors, he noted, have made it exceedingly difficult for many farmers to remain economically viable. "We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect a different result," Tunabuna stated, strongly endorsing recommendations for broader reform and modernization. He cautioned against simply telling farmers to abandon sugarcane without offering viable alternatives. The minister advocates for identifying and facilitating opportunities for farmers to diversify into other crops and agricultural activities that align with their specific land, location, and market conditions. An EU-backed study is currently underway to explore agricultural diversification strategies, aiming to develop sustainable programs that help farmers transition to alternative land uses without creating new dependencies. Tunabuna underscored that while modernization is key, reforms must also address the human element, ensuring that the transition supports long-term, sustainable livelihoods for Fijian farmers.

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I have consistently maintained that if Fiji is serious about helping the modern and competitive sugar industry, then we must be prepared to make necessary changes. We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect a different result.