Fiji has revived the Prime Minister's Sugarcane Farmers' Mill Awards after four decades, recognising growers as the industry faces pressure from declining yields, rising costs, labour shortages and climate impacts.
The awards were held across key mill areas, including Rarawai, Lautoka and Labasa.
Fiji's Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry, Tomasi Tunabuna, said farmers remained central to rural economies and national production.
"Sugarcane farmers continue to play a critical role in supporting livelihoods, businesses, transport operators, contractors, and communities throughout the Western Division," he said.
"Their contribution to the national economy remains invaluable."
At the Rarawai Mill Awards in Ba, Mr Tunabuna said 3,698 farmers supplied 543,854 tonnes of cane during the crushing season despite operational setbacks following a fire at the mill.
In Labasa, he said 3,031 farmers supplied 583,612 tonnes of cane, with the mill area continuing to lead production among Fiji's three mills.
The Fijian Government has also committed $6.77 per tonne as part of the fourth cane payment to help farmers manage rising production costs and support their livelihoods ahead of the next crushing season.
Mr Tunabuna said productivity needed to improve for the industry to remain viable.
"We must collectively work towards increasing yields to at least 65 tonnes per hectare to ensure cane farming remains profitable for both farmers and the mills," he said.
He also urged farmers and industry stakeholders to strengthen climate resilience, diversify income sources and transition to approved cane varieties.
Assistant Minister Inosi Kuridrani said the revival of the awards showed there was still commitment within the sector despite declining production, rising costs and climate pressures.
"These awards help restore confidence and dignity in sugar cane farming," he said.
"They remind us that despite the challenges, there are many farmers who continue to excel through hard work, resilience, and innovation."
