Rarawai Mill Set to Open on June 24

Lautoka- The Fiji Sugar Corporation Ltd (FSC) confirms that the Rarawai Mill will commence operations for the 2025 crushing season on 24 June 2025, in accordance with FSC’s operational schedule. This clarification is issued in response to recent public speculation and media reports suggesting otherwise.

FSC Chairman Mr Nitya Reddy condemned the rumours and described the reports as inaccurate and disruptive, particularly at a time when industry stability is essential.

“It has become an annual ritual for some to indulge in such highly damaging falsehood. These narratives are purposely designed to disrupt pre-crush operations and erode confidence among our growers, employees, and stakeholders. Let me be clear. Rarawai Mill remains a key part of our future, and it will operate not just this season but beyond serving the interests of the growers and employees.”

FSC Welcomes Farmer Support Payment

FSC fully supports the Government’s recently announced special sugarcane payment initiative. The initiative is designed to assist farmers in preparing for the 2025 season, which begins in early June. The payment aims to help growers secure labour and fund critical pre-season preparations.

“This initiative is both timely and essential. It demonstrates a shared commitment to the sustainability of our industry and will enable growers to meet off-season costs more effectively,” said Mr Reddy.

The 2024 crushing season brought multiple challenges, including extended drought, rising input costs, labour shortages, and ongoing recovery from climate-related impacts. To date, farmers have received four payments totalling $86.66  per tonne. This additional five-dollar support payment raises the total to 91.66 dollars per tonne, with the final 2024 payment expected in October 2025.

Importantly, this special payment will be delivered without deductions, ensuring farmers receive the full benefit in cash. It is intended to assist with urgent expenses such as labour hire, insurance, and maintenance of tractors, harvesters, and transport equipment.

2025 Operational Outlook and Crop Forecast

FSC is projecting a strong upturn in the 2025 season, with cane supply expected to increase by 15 percent or roughly 200,000 additional tonnes compared to last year. This is forecast to result in 20,000 tonnes more sugar, helping to counter the current falling global prices.

All three mills, Lautoka, Labasa, and Rarawai, must operate at full capacity to manage the anticipated crop load.

“No single mill can manage Viti Levu’s full cane output. Any suggestion to the contrary misleads farmers and disrupts harvesting logistics,” Mr Reddy noted.

Ongoing Collaboration with Growers and Government

FSC continues to work closely with the Ministry of Finance and other government agencies to address grower concerns, including cane pricing, payment timelines, and infrastructure support.

“We have released the forecast cane price for 2025 and are committed to ensuring transparency and regular updates to growers,” Mr Reddy stated.

Call for Unity and Industry Stability

Mr Reddy urged all stakeholders to approach the season constructively and collaboratively.

“The sugar industry is a cornerstone of our economy. At a time when we are desperately trying to rebuild confidence and increase production after decades of gross neglect, decline and mismanagement, we ask for responsible leadership and not the constant opportunistic self-seeking demagoguery and politicisation. We must work together, growers, unions, government and FSC, to protect and sustain the industry’s future.”

FSC extends its sincere thanks to the Government for its ongoing support to the growers and its 2000 employees for their resilience, commitment and continued partnership.