The causes and consequences of cane burning in Fiji’s sugar belt John Davies 2001 or older

-

Impacts of Cane Burning and Sugar Research on Fiji's Air Quality

For over a century sugar has been the dominant industry of Fiji. During this
time it has shaped not only the country’s economy but its history, politics,
demography and labour relations, leaving virtually no substantive facet of
life untouched. While the industry doubtlessly possesses the capacity for
further growth, this potential, and quite possibly the very survival of sugar
production, are subject to a multifaceted threat emanating from imminent
reductions in revenue after the forthcoming demise of the Lomé Agreement,
rising milling and farm costs, deteriorating productivity, inadequate
investment, poor labour relations and attitudes, uncertain land tenure and
declining cane quality. These problems are widely appreciated and a
strategic plan aimed at addressing them has recently been developed (‘Sugar
Industry Strategic Plan’ 1997).