Flowering Cane Threatens Sugar Quality in Fiji Amid Delayed Crushing Season

Fiji's sugar industry is grappling with concerns over the delayed start to the 2026 crushing season, with some cane fields already exhibiting signs of flowering. Minister for Sugar Tomasi Tunabuna warned that this natural process signals a decline in sugar content if harvesting is further postponed. Time is now a critical factor, as prolonged delays could negatively impact both the quality and market value of the crop. "Quality of sugar will now slowly be reduced when we kick into the wetter season, even now that we have the flowering of the sugarcane," Tunabuna stated. He observed a contrast among farmers, noting that while many remain committed and maintain their farms, others have neglected their fields despite government assistance for weed control and farm management. Tunabuna highlighted the varying levels of preparation among growers ahead of the crucial crushing season. The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has yet to announce a new opening date for the mills, leaving the industry in a state of uncertainty. The potential impact of the approaching wet season, combined with the flowering cane, poses a significant threat to the expected yield and quality of this year's sugar crop.

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Quality of sugar will now slowly be reduced when we kick into the wetter season, even now that we have the flowering of the sugarcane.