𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, is attending the 66th International Sugar Organization (ISO) Council Workshop and Meeting in San Jose, Costa Rica.

During the event, Minister Singh held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Sanjeev Yadav, Secretary for Food and Nutrition of the Government of India, to discuss ongoing cooperation and future support in strengthening Fiji’s sugar industry.

Minister Singh reaffirmed Fiji’s longstanding historical and cultural ties with India, rooted in over 146 years of shared history through the sugar industry. He acknowledged India as a valued bilateral partner. He expressed sincere appreciation for the ongoing technical and capacity-building support provided by the Government of India through the Indian High Commission in Suva.

In his briefing, Minister Singh highlighted that Fiji’s sugar industry supports the livelihoods and rural development of approximately 20% of the population. However, he also noted that the industry continues to face significant challenges, including rising operational costs, labour shortages, and the increasing impacts of climate change.

“We are actively working to modernize our mills and improve productivity, with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation,” said Minister Singh.

The Minister also emphasized Fiji’s commitment to tackling the effects of climate change, which remains a major threat to sugarcane production across the country.

“We are working on strategies and technologies to improve climate resilience, water conservation, and sustainable farming. We are particularly interested in exploring renewable energy options such as biofuels and solar power to reduce emissions and operational costs,” he added.

Minister Singh expressed his gratitude to Mr. Yadav for India’s continued friendship and support, and reiterated Fiji’s commitment to enhancing collaboration for a more resilient and sustainable sugar industry.

Mr. Yadav reaffirmed India’s continuous commitment to supporting Fiji’s sugar industry through various technical collaborations.

“The National Sugar Institute – Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) – it provides assistance in terms of technology, agricultural practices, ethanol production, and any form of assistance required by the Fiji sugar industry, we would be more than happy to collaborate,” he said.