Fiji govt works to improve sugar industry

The government is now working on major plans to improve sugar production this year.

This follows the latest report by the Reserve Bank of Fiji, which shows a decline in sugar export by 21% compared to 41% growth for the same period last year.

Sugar Ministry's Permanent Secretary Parmesh Chand said initially they are focusing on the performance of the sugar mills.

When asked about the further decline of the European Union's preferential price for sugar, Chand said they have plans in place to counter the effect on farmer’s income.

Chand is also hopeful through consultation, land leases will be renewed to ensure more cane is planted in the near future.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive of Fiji Sugar Corporation Deo Saran said they are still hopeful of meeting the forecast for this year of $280million in export earnings for sugar following the devaluation of the Fijian dollar.

Saran said forecast for sugar export to overseas markets this year and next year is 190,000 tonnes.

source: fijivillage