Minister warns against harvest delays

Fiji's Minister for Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, has issued a stern warning to sugarcane farmers, urging them to commence harvesting without delay. The government emphasizes that any further postponement could jeopardize both the availability of sugar for local consumption and the nation's crucial export markets.

Minister Tunabuna highlighted the cascading negative effects of harvesting delays. He explained that each day of postponement diminishes the quality of the cane, disrupts established harvesting schedules, complicates transport logistics, and ultimately reduces the income farmers can expect. This multifaceted impact underscores the urgency of the situation for the agricultural sector.

The government's directive signals a critical juncture for Fiji's sugar industry, a sector vital to the nation's economy. By stressing the risks to supply chains and international trade, the Ministry aims to ensure the industry's viability and the financial well-being of its farmers. The call for immediate action is a measure to mitigate potential economic losses and maintain the industry's competitiveness.

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every day of delay affects cane quality, harvesting schedules, transport logistics and ultimately farmers’ incomes