The Fiji Sugar Marketing Authority has confirmed that there has been a decline of over $100 million in export earnings since 1995.
Chief executive officer Viliame Savou said the decline in sugar production is the main factor for the huge decrease in sugar export earnings.
Savou said they are forecasting over $166 million in export earnings into the country this year.
He added the Authority is looking at fulfilling their export requirements to the European Union and the program will start in July where one cargo sugar per month will be shipped to the EU preferential markets.
He said the biggest challenge the sugar industry has been facing is the price reduction in the preferential market, however he said the industry has a future, provided the production costs are minimized and the industry should not be left to die.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Sugar Cane Growers Council said the interim government's move to dissolve the Sugar Commission of Fiji will benefit the cane farmers.
Jain Kumar said farmers will not have to contribute to the Commission however he said the Fiji Sugar Corporation should not do all the operational work of the Fiji Sugar Marketing Company after it is wound up.
Kumar's comment comes after the interim cabinet gave the green light to the interim government to dissolve the Sugar Commission of Fiji and distribute its functions to the Fiji Sugar Corporation, the Sugar Cane Growers Council and the Sugar Industry Tribunal.
Authority confirms sugar earnings decline
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