Fiji Urged to Prepare for Potential Sugar Shortage

Fiji could face a sugar shortage by month end due to delayed cane crushing and low yields, according to the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC), which has warned of worsening supply chain pressures. The FSC cited disruptions in harvesting and processing as primary factors, with operating costs rising sharply amid reduced production. The National Federation of Sugar Cane Farmers, represented by chairman Nand Kumar Dutt, urged growers to avoid abandoning the industry despite the challenges.

FSC Warns of Shortage by Month End

The FSC issued a public alert on June 12, 2026, stating that delayed cane crushing operations could lead to insufficient sugar stocks by the end of June. “If the current pace of processing continues, we risk a critical shortfall in supply,” said an FSC spokesperson, citing internal production reports. The organization, which oversees 14 sugar mills across the country, noted that reduced cane yields—partially attributed to erratic weather patterns—have compounded the issue.

Low cane yields have forced the FSC to increase operational expenditures, according to a June 11 report by FBC News. The corporation’s financial statements, reviewed by the outlet, show a 22% rise in processing costs compared to the same period last year. “We are working to optimize resources, but the combination of lower harvests and higher input prices is straining our capacity,” the FSC spokesperson added.

Factors Contributing to the Crisis

Harvesting delays have been linked to a combination of logistical bottlenecks and environmental challenges. The 2026 cane season began later than usual due to prolonged dry spells, which affected crop development. Additionally, labor shortages in rural areas have slowed the harvesting process, according to the Fiji Sugar Cane Farmers’ Association. “Farmers are struggling to secure enough workers during peak harvesting, which is pushing back the timeline for cane delivery to mills,” said a representative from the association, quoted in the Fiji Sun.

The FSC’s operating costs have also been impacted by rising fuel and machinery maintenance expenses. A separate FBC News report highlighted that diesel prices in Fiji increased by 18% in the first half of 2026, further squeezing the sector’s margins. The corporation has not yet disclosed whether it plans to pass these costs to consumers, but industry analysts suggest that retail sugar prices could rise in the coming weeks.

Dutt Urge Farmers to Stay in Industry

Nand Kumar Dutt, chairman of the National Federation of Sugar Cane Farmers, addressed concerns about potential farmer attrition in a June 10 statement. “Abandoning the industry now would exacerbate the crisis,” Dutt said, urging growers to collaborate with the FSC to address logistical hurdles. He emphasized that the sector remains a vital source of employment for over 100,000 families in Fiji’s rural communities.

Dutt’s remarks followed a surge in farmer inquiries about alternative crops, reportedly driven by declining profitability. The Fiji Sun reported that some growers have begun shifting to cassava and coconut cultivation, citing better returns. However, the FSC has not yet provided data on the scale of this transition, and officials have not commented on its potential impact on sugar production.

Broader Implications for Fiji’s Economy

The sugar industry contributes approximately 3% to Fiji’s GDP and accounts for around 20% of the country’s agricultural exports. A shortage could disrupt both domestic supply and export contracts, particularly with key markets in the Pacific and Asia. The FSC has not yet outlined contingency plans, but it has directed mills to prioritize critical production schedules to mitigate the risk of shortages.

Government officials have not publicly responded to the FSC’s warning. However, a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture, published in the Fiji Times on June 13, noted that “the government is monitoring the situation closely and stands ready to provide support if needed.” No specific measures were detailed in the statement.