Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh has criticised National Farmers Union General Secretary, Mahendra Chaudhry over comments made during the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s AGM where he said that the Lautoka Mill should be closed and a new mill built in Nawaicoba, Nadi.
According to Singh, FSC Chair Nitya Reddy asked Chaudhry whether Penang should have a mill, and Chaudhry replied “no.”
When questioned by fijivillage News, Chaudhry said the Minister had taken his comments out of context and distorted them for political gain.
He explained that he was simply outlining long-term planning options for the industry.
Chaudhry says he did not say for the Lautoka Mill to be shut down immediately, and stressed that his remarks were in the context of future planning.
He accused Singh of twisting the narrative because he has no solution for the struggling sugar industry.
Meanwhile the Rarawai Sugar Mill in Ba is expected to resume crushing operations by 10th December.
Singh revealed that re-testing is currently underway and the mill will soon be ready for operation.
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