Salutations!
The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh
Honourable Members of Parliament
Permanent Secretaries and Senior Government officials
His Excellency Shri Suneet Mehta, the High Commissioner of India
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Representatives of the sugar industry, including board members and management
Our hardworking sugarcane farmers
Sponsors, media representatives,
Ladies and gentlemen
Ni sa bula vina’a and good morning to you all.
Firstly, and with respect, I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today. Ki Sukanacagi, vua na Momo na Tui Vitogo, and I pay my respect to their Chiefs, past, present, and emerging. I acknowledge with much gratitude their role in caring for the Vanua and their goodwill over the years in making available their land for national development.
Introduction
It is an honour to be here this morning to officially launch the Prime Minister’s Sugarcane Farmers Award.
The story of sugar in Fiji is a story of resilience. For over a century, the sugarcane industry has shaped our nation’s economic, political, and social fabric. Generations of farmers, labourers, and families have toiled under the sun to make it a cornerstone of our economy and rural employment.
Restoring a Pillar of National Pride
Let me first commend the Honourable Minister and all stakeholders. In particular, I acknowledge the Sugar Cane Growers Fund Board and its management—for initiating this program. Naming it the Prime Minister’s Sugarcane Farmers Award brings both honour and accountability. Vinaka vakalevu.
As Head of Government, I assure our farmers and stakeholders that this Coalition Government remains fully committed to transforming the sugar industry into a modern, sustainable sector that secures the future of farmers, landowners, millers, and communities.
That is why I am personally chairing the Select Committee on the Sugar Industry, tasked to undertake a comprehensive review and provide recommendations for its transformation and sustainability.
This is not just a procedural motion. It is a necessary and urgent step to safeguard the livelihood of thousands of Fijians, chart a sustainable path forward thus restoring confidence in our sugar industry, perhaps the most historically significant sector of our economy.
Reviving Legacy, Recognising Excellence
This award brings back a proud tradition. I was informed that in the 1980s and 1990s, such sugar industry awards—often sponsored by commercial banks—were a highlight of Fiji’s agricultural calendar.
Now, just as with the Prime Minister’s Exporter of the Year Award, this initiative aims to instil national recognition, pride, and excellence across our cane farming communities.
I am pleased that this has been brought back. I now extend invitation to our partners and key stakeholders, especially our financial institutions to once again partner with us in recognising and rewarding the people who drive this vital industry.
A Sector of National Significance
For over a century, the sugar industry has been more than just an economic contributor—it has been the social and cultural lifeblood of our nation. Through cyclones, droughts, and global market turbulences, our farmers have remained the bedrock of national resilience.
As we approach 55 years of independence, it is fitting that we reflect on the sector—and the people—that have shaped our nation’s progress.
Under the current guidance of Hon. Singh—an experienced businessman and visionary—the industry has begun to turn a corner. I am encouraged by the realistic and achievable target of increasing production by 200,000 tonnes annually, and even more confident that this goal is already within reach in the very first year.
This is a testament to the determination and hard work of farmers and millers, the commitment of government, and the support of our stakeholders.
Responding to Challenges with Resolve
Yet today, we face hard truths. The sugar industry is under immense strain. Declining yields, aging infrastructure, climate vulnerability, financial instability, and the exodus of young farmers threaten its very future.
Yes, further than these setbacks—most recently, is the unfortunate fire at the Rarawai Mill. But as always, our spirit has been one of regroup, rebuild, and recover together.
The Government has acted decisively by increasing the FSC government guarantee from $200 million to $300 million. This financial support would provide critical liquidity to the sector, and ensures operations continue smoothly while rebuilding efforts are underway.
Strengthening International Partnerships
I wish to also highlight the invaluable role played by the Government of India and express my deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continued support.
Your Excellency, Ambassador Mehta, please relay our government’s gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, citing that our successful engagements will play a major part in meeting the annual production targets by the industry.
Through my recent visit to India, we have strengthened ties that are already bearing fruit, which would include provision of:
These are not one-off initiatives—they are investments in knowledge, technology, and reliance. I also wish to thank the Indian High Commission for its sponsorship of various award categories.
Sustainable Development in Action
Ladies and Gentlemen, these awards, to be launched today, are more than ceremonial. They are a strategic instrument to:
The introduction of the Green Champion Award is particularly important. It supports our National Development Plan, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and our broader climate commitments. It also sends a strong message that the sugar industry must not only thrive—but do so sustainably.
A Vision for the Future
The awards will feature multiple categories:
With today’s launch, awareness and training programs will begin, building momentum towards the first awards ceremony in May next year, 2026, which we plan to institutionalize as an annual national event for the industry.
I reiterate, this is more than awards. It is about celebrating our heritage, embracing the future, and inspiring the next generation of farmers to see agriculture not just as a job—but a profession, innovation, and demonstration of national pride.
Conclusion: A National Tribute
To our farmers—this award is for you. For the generations who have toiled in the fields, for the families who rise before dawn, for the young people returning to the land with new ideas, and for the elders who have paved the way—you are the heart of this nation.
To the Ministry, the Sugar Cane Growers Fund, our stakeholders, sponsors, and the organising committee—Vinaka vakalevu for transforming this vision into reality.
It is now my privilege to officially launch the Prime Minister’s Sugarcane Farmers Award.
Vinaka vakalevu, dhanyawaad, and thank you.
ENDS.