After more than a decade, Fiji’s sugar industry celebrated a historic revival as the Prime Minister Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka today (08-10-25) officially launched the Prime Minister’s Sugarcane Farmers Awards in Lautoka.
A national initiative aimed at recognising excellence, innovation, and sustainability among the nation’s sugarcane farmers.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister described the moment as a “tribute to resilience,” honouring generations of Fijian farmers and labourers whose work has shaped the nation’s economic and social landscape for over a century.
“The story of sugar in Fiji is a story of resilience. For more than 100 years, it has been a cornerstone of our economy and a symbol of national pride, this Government is fully committed to transforming the sugar industry into a modern, sustainable sector that secures the future of farmers, landowners, millers, and communities.”
The awards programme an initiative of the Sugar Cane Growers Fund revives a proud tradition once celebrated in the 1980s and 1990s, when sugar industry awards were a highlight of Fiji’s agricultural calendar.
The Prime Minister commended the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs & Sugar Industry-Fiji, the Fund’s Board, and its management for reinstating the event, noting that it brings honour and accountability to one of Fiji’s most important sectors.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the industry the Prime Minister announced the Government’s decisive move to increase the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) government guarantee from $200 million to $300 million, ensuring operational continuity and supporting rebuilding efforts following the recent Rarawai Mill fire.
The Prime Minister extended Fiji’s gratitude to the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their continued support, he highlighted several key initiatives resulting from strengthened bilateral ties which includes the:
-12 agricultural drones for precision farming
-Two mobile soil testing laboratories for efficient land management
-An ITEC expert stationed with FSC; and
-Training programs in India for Fijian sugar professionals.
The newly launched awards will honour achievements across six key categories:
1. Best Sugarcane Farmer
2. Young Farmer
3. Women Farmer
4. Innovative Farmer
5. Senior Farmer Recognition
6. Green Champion Award
The awards programme will be accompanied by awareness and training initiatives, building momentum toward the first awards ceremony in May 2026, which is expected to become an annual national event celebrating excellence and innovation in the sugar industry.
Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister paid tribute to farmers and their families, acknowledging their tireless contributions to Fiji’s progress and resilience.
“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, you are the heart of this nation,” he said.
Prime Minister Rabuka also announced that Government will once again provide a further top up in the final cane payment due before Diwali for the 2024 crop of $8.27 taking the fourth payment to $9.47.
This will lift the final pay out for the 2024 crop to $101.13 per tonne.
The new sugarcane record price of $101.13 per tonne is being funded from the current 2025-2026 national budget.
The official launch marks a new chapter in Fiji’s sugar industry, blending tradition with transformation and reaffirming your government’s commitment to revitalising one of the nation’s most enduring economic pillars.
