𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐑𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐢 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry along with this field team today paid a courtesy visit to the hardworking staff of the Rarawai Mill in Ba, acknowledging their tireless efforts in keeping the mill operations running efficiently during the peak of the crushing season.

Among those who often face public criticism—but continue to work behind the scenes with dedication—is the Cane Logistics Manager. During the visit, the Permanent Secretary took the time to better understand the logistics of cane supply and was impressed by the level of coordination and operational discipline, particularly in the allocation of daily quotas to harvesting gangs.

The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) team explained that currently around 60% of the cane supplied to the Rarawai Mill is harvested manually—a stark reminder that human labour remains a backbone of the industry in many regions.

The Cane Logistics Manager highlighted the challenges associated with manual harvesting, particularly in interior and hilly areas where these gangs are based. Many labourers are temporarily housed in remote camps, and for operations to continue smoothly, there must be uninterrupted transportation of harvested cane. Without this, labourers risk going without meals, and productivity suffers.

The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the critical role of logistics in sustaining the supply chain, particularly for manually harvested cane. He praised the team’s awareness and adaptability in managing the delicate balance between transportation timing, labour welfare, and mill efficiency.

“There is often criticism from outside, but what I saw today is a team working under immense pressure, doing their best to keep things moving. The quota system, the coordination with harvesting gangs, and the understanding of the realities in the field are commendable,” the Permanent Secretary stated.

He also emphasised the importance of continued support for field logistics and labour welfare, especially as the industry works towards greater mechanisation and improved efficiency.

The visit ended with a note of appreciation to all staff at the Rarawai Mill, whose efforts, both seen and unseen, are vital to the success of the 2025 crushing season.