Minister blames misinformation for crushing season delay

The start of Fiji's 2026 sugar crushing season has been delayed, with the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) unable to secure adequate harvesting crews and cane supply for mill operations. This postponement raises concerns for the nation's vital sugar industry.

Minister for Sugar Tomasi Tunabuna pointed to potential contributing factors for the farmers' reluctance to harvest. He suggested that misinformation circulating among farmers, coupled with political influence, may be playing a role in their hesitation to bring their cane to the mills.

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misinformation and political influence may be contributing to some farmers’ reluctance to harvest their cane.

Despite the challenges, Tunabuna affirmed that the FSC is ready to commence crushing operations as soon as the required resources are in place. The corporation is awaiting the necessary conditions to be met to begin processing the harvested cane.

The delay highlights the complex interplay of factors affecting Fiji's agricultural sector, including labor availability, market dynamics, and the impact of information and political discourse on farmer decisions. The government is seeking to address these issues to ensure the smooth functioning of the sugar industry.

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FSC is ready to commence crushing