Some sugarcane farmers in Fiji are moving to alternative crop and vegetable farming so they can provide for their families.
Trucks transport sugarcane for crushing in Lautoka in Fiji's west. Photo: RNZ Pacific/Koroi Hawkins
Last week, the farmers received their final cane payment of $US5 per tonne from the Fiji Sugar Corporation.
The industry has been struggling with a drop in production, global price and climate change.
Permanent Secretary for Agriculture Ritesh Dass said the ministry would help cane farmers diversify.
"Farmers are looking at other opportunities being present through alternative crops. They are saying there's potential in diversifying from sugarcane into other crops.
"It's beneficial for the farmers and helps Fiji promote its position on import substitution and growing agricultural exports."
