Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Voreqe Bainimarama has revealed that cane production for 2018 is expected to reach almost two million tonnes.

Bainimarama highlighted this while speaking to cane farmers during a talanoa session in Ba.

Bainimarama says there have been many talks from the Opposition regarding the Sugar Industry however there have been no solutions given on how the industry should move forward.

He says the only way forward for the Sugar Industry is to reduce the cost of production to ensure a sustainable and a profitable industry.

“That is why my government is giving bridging assistance to lower your cost base, we are boosting cane production and improving extension services, transportation and harvesting, we are planning new assistance for farmers and set aside 16m dollars for the cane replanting program.”

Bainimarama also highlighted reports have indicated that 30,000 hectares of land still remain idle.

The Prime Minister is urging cane farmers to fully utilise these land to boost sugar production in the country.