9 December, 2025, 7:33 am Central - 25°C Clouds

New sugar mill plans spark hope for jobs and rural development in Fiji

New sugar mill plans spark hope for jobs and rural development in Fiji

By Nilufa Buksh
29/08/2025
Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Minister, Charan Jeath Singh

New modern sugar mill plans were discussed at the Centennial Congress of the International Society of Sugarcane Technologists (ISSCT) to transform Fiji’s sugar industry, creating more employment opportunities in rural areas.

The modern sugar mills will aim to lower production costs, increase sugar recovery rates, and drive diversification into ethanol, electricity cogeneration, bio-fertilizers through modern, and energy-efficient technologies.

During the meeting, Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Minister, Charan Jeath Singh says the governemnt is committed to reviving Fiji’s sugar industry by establishing a modern, cost-efficient mill ensuring sustainability with global partners and better decision making.

He also adds that the project forms a key part of Fiji’s Sugar Industry Modernisation Programme, adding that the modern mill will not only improve efficiency but also open up opportunities, allowing more jobs and strengthen countries support.

Meanwhile, Singh also met with leading international engineering groups including Uttam Group (India), ULKA Industries, and Five Group, which are among the top engineering firms in sugar mill technology and have been instrumental in modernising mills across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

The plan brings renewed hope for cane farmers and rural families, as Fiji aligns with global best practices to rebuild confidence in sugar, strengthen exports, and secure long-term sustainability in an industry that has faced years of uncertainty.

FEATURE NEWS
Dialogue Fiji says National Referendum Bill is an unprecedented assault on democratic freedom
Dialogue Fiji expresses its grave concern and disbelief over the National Referendum Bill 2025, which contains some of the most far-reaching and unde...
13 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake strikes Japan's northeast region
A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake shook Japan's northeast region prompting tsunami warnings and orders for residents to evacuate. The Japan ...
31 minutes ago

Professor Prasad denies rumours of applying for USP Vice Chancellor role
Member of Parliament and leader of the National Federation Party, Professor Biman Prasad says rumours circulating on social media claiming he has ...
13 hours ago

Auta Moceisuva appointed Acting Commissioner of Corrections
Auta Moceisuva, who previously served as the Deputy Commissioner of Corrections, has been appointed Acting Commissioner of Corrections. ...
13 hours ago

Sonia Shanaaz who is raising her 10 year old daughter living with a disability to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk at 7pm Wednesday
Are we doing enough?Sonia Shanaaz, a mother who is raising her 10 year old daughter living with a disability, will appear on fijivillage Straight ...
14 hours ago

UniFiji begins work on landmark centre for iTaukei and Hindi Studies
A historic step toward strengthening Fiji’s cultural and linguistic heritage was taken today as the University of Fiji held the groundbreaking ...
15 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
20 hours ago

Fiji Law Society Convention 2025
There is a constant struggle that we seem to have in Fiji with upholding and respecting the rule of law, and in my view, I think it starts at the ...
4 days ago

Tribunal case of suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr Nakarawa
Tribunal proceedings for suspended Corrections Commissioner Dr Nakarawa are underway, focusing on allegations of misbehaviour during his tenure as ...
4 days ago

TOP