Fiji's prime minister Frank Bainimarama has stressed sugar will remain central to Fiji's economy.
Sugar cane trucks in Fiji's western division. Photo: RNZ / Alex Perrottet
He was speaking in Lautoka at the handover of 30 new tractors to the Fiji Sugar Corporation.
Mr Bainimarama said increased government support meant cane farming had become an attractive new industry for the Fijian people.
"Our sugar cane industry will always remain at the heart of the Fijian economy," he said.
"And that commitment is as strong now as ever before. The sweat and effort of cane farmers has built Fiji as we know it today, and so it will build the Fiji of tomorrow as well."
Mr Bainimarama said cane production in 2018 is anticipated to reach close to two million tonnes.
He said the push towards mechanised farming would continue to help relieve the shortage of labour in the industry.
