Thefarmer

For Fijian farmers right now with fuel prices high, the goal is: use less diesel, protect your income, and tap govt support. Here’s what you can do immediately + longer term:

Cut fuel use now - no cost/low cost
Combine trips: Plan market runs, input pickup, and farm visits together. Carpool/share trucks with neighbours.
Maintain equipment: Clean air filters, proper tyre pressure, regular servicing. A poorly tuned tractor can burn 15-20% more diesel.
Reduce idling: Switch off tractors/pumps when not actively working.
Work in cooler hours: Early morning/late afternoon = less evaporation for irrigation, less engine strain.
Use public transport for personal trips: Govt is absorbing 10% bus fare + 20c/L rebate to operators Apr–Jul, so buses stay affordable.

Protect your income
Sugar cane farmers: $28m crop top-up for 2025 season is approved. Check with Fiji Sugar Corporation/mill for how it applies to your deliveries.
Social welfare: If you’re on welfare, 50% top-up runs May–Jul. No extra application needed.
Keep records: Fuel receipts, input costs, yield data. If govt rolls out more agri fuel rebates like the bus rebate, records help you qualify fast.

Switch to lower-fuel options
Solar pumps: For irrigation. Govt is pushing solar + battery under National Energy Policy. Check with Ministry of Agriculture or Energy Fiji Limited about any rural electrification/solar schemes.
Biofuel: Coconut oil/biodiesel works in many diesel engines with minor mods. Fiji’s policy targets 30% transport fuel from alternatives like biofuel. Ministry of Agriculture has run pilot projects before.
Draft animals + manual tools: For smaller plots/land prep, reduces diesel dependence if prices spike further.
Drip/micro irrigation: Uses less power/fuel than flood irrigation. Better water + fuel efficiency.

Stay ready if rationing hits
Govt’s Fuel Emergency Plan phases kick in if stocks drop:
40-50% stocks: 4-day work week possible. Plan farm labour accordingly.