Sugar cane farmers have been significantly impacted by the current dry season as the initial forecast by the Fiji Sugar Corporation in November 2023 predicted cane production of 1.51 million tonnes for the 2024 season however, the current projection as of August 2024 has been reduced to 1.30 million tonnes.
FSC CEO Bhan Pratap Singh says the drought began immediately after the completion of the 2023 harvest season, during the critical tillering phase, and persisted through the grand growth phase from April to July 2024.
He says these periods are crucial for the development of both the number and weight of harvestable canes and the lack of sufficient rainfall during these times has led to a marked reduction in crop yield.
Singh says the Lautoka Mill recorded an 82 percent decrease in rainfall from October to December last year and a 58 decrease from April to July this year, over the average annual rainfall.
The Rarawai Mill experienced an 87 percent reduction in rainfall from October to December last year and a 75 percent reduction from April to July this year, over the mean.
The Labasa Mill faced a 59 percent decline in rainfall from October to December last year and a 52 percent decrease from April to July this year.
The CEO says significant deficits in rainfall have led to a 20 percent decline in crop output in the mills on Viti Levu (Lautoka and Rarawai) and a 4 percent reduction in the Labasa Mill on Vanua Levu, where the low rainfall impact was comparatively lesser.
Singh says the prolonged drought has not only affected the 2024 crop but also poses a risk to the 2025 season crop due to poor planting during the peak planting season months from March to July and poor establishment of harvested crops.
He says even with potential rainfall in the upcoming months, the likelihood of late planting and subsequent lower productivity remains a significant concern.
The CEO says FSC has already committed to ship a total of about 84,000 tonnes of sugar, which comprises a shipment to the US market and two shipments to a refiner in Korea.
Singh says there is also a commitment to supply about 35,000 tonnes of sugar to the local and regional markets.
He says the fourth shipment now does not seem possible as the volume of expected sugar has been reviewed from the initial estimate of 153,021 tonnes to 121,272 tonnes.
Singh says FSC is closely monitoring the situation and remains committed to supporting farmers through these challenging times.
He adds while weather projections remain uncertain, FSC is exploring all possible future avenues to mitigate the impact of such drought occurrences in future crop cycles.
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