Key measures to revitalise sugar industry outlined

Executive director of the International Sugar Organisation Dr Peter Baron said the Fiji sugar industry was performing far below its potential.

Speaking at the opening of the 43rd  ISO council meeting currently underway in Nadi, he said the industry could be revitalised to its former glory through the implementation of five key measures.

“To recover to old strength and tap the full potential mainly five things are needed political stability, improved performance in field and factory, improved harvest efforts and modern technology, focused and targeted use of the money for accompanying measures paid by the EU and to address the land tenure system,” he said.

Dr Baron said significant improvements had been witnessed in the last two crushing seasons and the ISO had noted recent political developments and moves towards elections as promising and hopeful.

The meeting will end today and representatives from major sugar-producing countries will participate in a number of activities for the rest of the week, including a trip to Plantation Island Resort in the Mamanuca Group.

BY: FIJI TIMES