𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦: 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, has reaffirmed the Coalition Government’s commitment to addressing the long-standing challenges faced by sugarcane farmers farming on hilly and uneven terrains.

While sugarcane mechanical harvesters have significantly improved efficiency on flat cane fields, Fiji currently lacks specialized harvesters designed for sloped and rugged landscapes — a reality that continues to burden farmers in areas such as the Drumasi sector, Malele, and Dovata areas.

Minister Singh acknowledged these concerns and assured farmers that the Government, in collaboration with industry players, is actively working to introduce tailored solutions.

“We’ve heard your concerns, and we’re committed to providing solutions. The Coalition Government is determined to ease the burden on our hardworking farmers in the hills,” the Minister said.

He said that a specialized hilly terrain harvester is expected to arrive in the country soon. The initial model will be part of a research and development (R&D) project under the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF), which will study its performance in local conditions and explore possible adaptations for widespread use. He emphasized that increased mechanization, especially for difficult terrains, will not only ease the physical burden on growers but also help address the ongoing challenge of labour shortages across the cane belt.

In a further boost to farm mechanization, the Ministry has also given approval this week for another hilly terrain harvester to be brought in by a private investor. This machine is targeted for deployment in the upper Nabou areas in Ba.

Minister Singh, who is often seen travelling as part of his ministerial duties, addressed recent criticisms.

“Every trip I undertake is in pursuit of solutions for our farmers — whether it’s identifying the right technology, forming partnerships, or bringing back knowledge that can help our people. This is not about politics; it’s about progress.” He said

He encouraged farmers across Fiji to remain optimistic and united, adding that the Government will continue to invest in innovation and collaboration to uplift the sugar industry.