𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞

The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry is actively engaged with key stakeholders to address challenges faced by sugarcane farmers affected by the recent closure of the rail network between Lausa Loop and Tawatawa Point in Tavua.

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, met farmers from Drumasi, Yaladro, and Tagitagi in Tavua yesterday (07/08/25) to hear their concerns, as they were heavily reliant on rail transport for the delivery of cane to the Rarawai Mill.

The closure of the railway line by the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has disrupted cane transportation in the region. While some farmers have resorted to using Lorries as a temporary alternative, Dr. Kumar acknowledged during the meeting that this is not a viable long-term solution, especially for smaller growers already under financial pressure.

A total of over 40 sugarcane farmers attended the consultation session, where they voiced serious concerns over increased transport costs, reduced delivery efficiency, and the potential risk of being forced out of the sugar industry altogether.

Dr. Kumar, while addressing the farmers and the challenges faced by them, assured them that the government is actively looking into the situation and will come up with a feasible plan to reduce transportation costs for farmers.

Dr. Kumar also met the General Manager and Engineers of the Rarawai Mill to discuss the issues surrounding the rail closure and explore possible solutions.