Farmers leaving sugar need practical alternatives, says Fiji minister

Fiji's Agriculture Minister Tomasi Tunabuna has voiced strong support for modernizing the nation's sugar industry, emphasizing the need to provide affected communities with viable alternatives. He stated that the goal is to cultivate a more robust and sustainable agricultural sector while maintaining sugar's viability where it remains a dependable source of livelihood.

Speaking on the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s 2023 and 2024 annual reports, Tunabuna acknowledged the difficulties faced by growers, including escalating production costs, labor scarcity, land challenges, and the impacts of climate change. "We cannot continue doing things the same way and expect a different result," he asserted, backing recommendations for reform and modernization. He stressed that supporting farmers does not mean indefinitely prolonging sugarcane production if economics dictate otherwise.

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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. The recommendation on reform and modernization is therefore one that I strongly support.

"We cannot simply tell our farmers to leave the industry without providing practical alternatives," Tunabuna stated. "This means identifying opportunities for farmers to diversify into other crops and agricultural activities that are sustainable to their land, location, and market opportunities." He believes reforms must also address the human element, recognizing that the industry's current structure is outdated.

An ongoing EU-backed study is exploring agricultural diversification to establish long-term, sustainable programs for farmers. The findings will guide the development of practical initiatives to help farmers switch to alternative crops, aiming to prevent the creation of new economic dependencies.

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We cannot simply tell our farmers to leave the industry without providing practical alternatives. This means identifying opportunities for farmers to diversify into other crops and agricultural activities that are sustainable to their land, location, and market opportunities.