Following concerns raised by sugarcane farmers regarding the closure of the rail line between Lausa Loop and Tawatawa Point in Tavua, Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh has directed the Fiji Sugar Corporation to immediately reactivate the railway line.
Over 40 affected farmers from Drumasi, Yaladro and Tagitagi raised concerns about the rail closure, which had significantly impacted their ability to transport cane to the Rarawai Mill.
The directive follows an urgent meeting convened by Permanent Secretary Dr Vinesh Kumar with the Chief Executive Officer of FSC and the Chief Executive Officer of the Sugar Cane Growers Council, in close collaboration with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad.
In response, the Minister moved swiftly to ensure farmers are not burdened with any additional costs or delays.
He says they have worked late into the night yesterday to ensure farmers’ needs were addressed without further delay as farmers are already in the third week of harvesting.
Singh says this decision reflects the Ministry’s strong commitment to our cane farmers.
He says reactivating rail services in Tavua will help restore efficient and cost-effective cane delivery to the Rarawai Mill and support the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry in this region.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad had assured sugarcane farmers in Tavua that the government is committed to improving the railway system used for transporting cane.
Professor Prasad confirms to fijivillage News that discussions have taken place with the Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh and the FSC Board.
He stressed that both the government and FSC are aligned in their commitment to repair and improve the rail network in cane-growing areas.
