Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has revealed that for generations, our sugar industry has been more than just a source of income, it has been a symbol of resilience and tenacity that has consistently contributed more than $200 million in foreign revenue annually.
While visiting the Rarawai Sugar Mill in Ba during his Western division tour, Rabuka highlighted that the sugar industry in Fiji is underscoring its significance as one of the nation's economic pillars.
The Prime Minister says that the coalition government will support the industry to enhance the sugar sector through subsidies, incentives and investments in infrastructure.
He says their commitment to the sugar industry goes beyond words, to provide crucial support and safeguard the industry's pivotal role in Fiji's economic landscape.
He also emphasised that the government's mission was not just about preserving the industry but enhancing it.
Rabuka also addressed some of the challenges faced by the industry including fluctuations in global sugar prices, land tenure disputes, the impacts of climate change, an ageing farming population, labour shortages and ageing infrastructure.
He says this involves improvements at every step of the value chain from farming to milling, with a focus on efficiency, sustainability and addressing the environmental footprint of the industry.
