Funding critical to reach cane target

Reaching Fiji's ambitious target of producing two million tonnes of sugar cane by 2028 hinges significantly on increased government financial support, according to the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC). Head of Agriculture Lakshman Jayaraman outlined two scenarios for achieving this goal, emphasizing the need for substantial annual grants. "Farmers don’t plant cane without any financial assistance. They don’t have the financial ability to do it," Jayaraman stated, highlighting the critical role of financial aid. The industry requires millions of dollars annually to fund new planting and rehabilitate aging ratoon crops. Currently, over 60 percent of ratoon crops exceed 10 years in age, severely impacting productivity and sugar quality. FSC plans a phased replacement of approximately 2,500 hectares of old ratoons each year. "So within another five years, at least to the extent of 12,500 to 15,000 hectares will be replaced by young crops. So that will give us better productivity, and that will also give us better production," Jayaraman explained. Beyond crop renewal, the FSC also intends to strategically shift its support, prioritizing growers who consistently maintain or increase their production. This approach contrasts with a first-come, first-served distribution of grants, aiming for a more efficient and productive outcome for the industry.

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Farmers don’t plant cane without any financial assistance. They don’t have the financial ability to do it.