Working together for the Sugar Industry

Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister and Sugar Industry, Mr Yogesh Karan today (24th June,2020) met with the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) management and the Ministry of Sugar executive officials in Lautoka to map out key strategic areas for the purpose of achieving better results this crushing season.

With the opening of the Labasa and Rarawai mills, Mr Karan urged the concerned parties and stakeholders to work together for the benefit of the Sugar Industry.

At the meeting, the Permanent Secretary also reiterated government’s support which has played a significant role in the overall operation of the industry.

The meeting also focused on the upgrade of cane access roads, the expected tonne of cane per tonne of sugar (TCTS) this year, selective conversion from rails to lorries and proper monitoring processes to name just a few.

On the issue of cane access roads, Mr Karan requested the FSC to monitor subcontractors closely as it has been noted that some cane access roads have been upgraded without the use of proper aggregates.

Government, he said, has injected substantial amount of funds over the years towards the development of such roads and it is important that the funds are utilised for the right purpose.

Challenges may be expected along the way but Mr Karan said working together to carry the industry’s momentum forward is paramount.

At the same time, Mr Karan has urged cane growers to put in extra efforts to harvest all cane and have their supplies delivered to the mills to support the cane crushing season this year.

He added that the Ministry of Sugar Industry and FSC will also continue to support the growers and lorry drivers to make this season a success.