𝐅𝐒𝐂 𝐌𝐨𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

In a remarkable show of commitment and coordination, the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) went above and beyond this week to ensure that no cane was lost following heavy rainfall that caused damage along the rail network feeding into the Rarawai Mill.

Persistent rain in the Ba region had partially washed away a section of soil beneath a critical rail line, Daya Bhai point, leaving 15 rail trucks loaded with harvested cane stranded on the far side of the damage. With a strict seven-day deadline for delivery of burnt cane, any delay in reaching the mill could have meant significant losses for the affected farmers.

Recognising the urgency of the situation, FSC’s General Manager – Rarawai swiftly deployed his field operations team along with a heavy-duty loader to the site. The damaged portion was located on a steep incline, making it too dangerous for a locomotive to access safely.

Local farmers also rallied to assist the effort, bringing in their own tractors to help reposition rail carts and stabilise the terrain. Their cooperation and support underlined the strong partnership between FSC and growers on the ground.

The Permanent Secretary for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, along with his senior team, visited the site to witness the recovery efforts first-hand. He met with the field team, inspected the damaged section of track, and thanked the farmers and FSC staff working tirelessly in challenging conditions.

“It’s heartening to see FSC go the extra mile to ensure farmers do not suffer losses. The team on the ground acted decisively, and the collaboration with farmers shows the kind of unity and urgency we need to sustain the industry,” Dr. Kumar said during the visit.

FSC confirmed that the stranded cane was successfully retrieved and transported to the mill within the delivery window, thanks to the rapid mobilization of resources and teamwork.

This incident is a reminder of the vulnerabilities the sugar industry faces due to climate events, but also of the resilience and dedication of those who keep it running, from farmers and field officers to mill