Sugar farmers demand help to survive

Cane farmers in Labasa, Fiji, are appealing to the government for financial support to replace outdated sugarcane varieties with approved planting material. The industry is phasing out older types, and the process of acquiring new, approved varieties is proving to be a significant financial burden for many growers.

Laitia Dike, a farmer with 15 years of experience, highlighted this as a primary challenge. He manages 45 acres of cane farm and aims to increase his yield from 450 to 800 tonnes. However, he stated that achieving this target depends on government assistance, as he has been cultivating an incorrect variety for years. Another section of his farm, producing about 200 tonnes, is planted with a variety no longer approved by the mill, which was initially supplied to farmers years ago.

Farmers outside the Labasa area, such as Vijendra Dayal from Waiqele, face additional financial pressures during the crushing season. While pleased that harvesting has begun, growers in Seaqaqa and other rural regions incur higher transportation and operating costs, making profitability difficult.

The farmers are urging the government to provide support for the transition to approved cane varieties and to address the escalating costs. They believe these measures are essential for securing the future of Fiji's vital sugar industry.

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I have 45 acres of cane farm with approximately 450 tonnes of cane. I am targeting 800 tonnes, but that will depend on government assistance because I was provided with the wrong cane variety, which I have been growing over the past few years. That is the main issue I am facing right now, and it needs to be addressed.