Mosese Raqio 
A suspected termite infestation is emerging as a serious new threat to sugarcane production in the Western Division.
During a visit to the Lovu Sector cane farming community in Lautoka, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Sugar Industry Inosi Kuridrani was told by farmers that termites are destroying cane crops, with no effective chemical solution currently available to control the pest.
Farmers say the infestation has already caused significant losses, raising concerns about further declines in cane supply if urgent action is not taken.
The issue comes at a critical time for the industry, which is already grappling with expiring land leases, poor drainage, deteriorating farm access roads, and rising harvesting and transportation costs.
Growers warned that without immediate intervention, the termite outbreak could further weaken productivity and profitability in a sector that is still struggling to stabilise.
Kuridrani assured farmers that Biosecurity authorities will be engaged to conduct on-site assessments and determine the extent of the infestation.
He acknowledged the mounting pressures facing cane farmers and stressed that urgent reforms are needed as responsibilities for the sugar sector transition to the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.
Farmers are now calling for swift technical support and long-term solutions, warning that unchecked pest damage could undermine efforts to revitalise Fiji’s sugar industry.
Stream the best of Fiji on VITI+. Anytime. Anywhere.
