SYDNEY - Sugar production in the south Pacific nation of Fiji is likely to be halved this year after February's super cyclone Winston caused damage worth F$125 million ($59 million) to the sugar industry, according to the government.
State-owned company Fiji Sugar Corporation estimates a 50 percent cut in the June-July sugarcane crop production on the main island of Viti Levu, which was badly hit.
Fiji had planned to produce 224,000 metric tons of sugar this season before Winston, the worst cyclone ever recorded in the southern hemisphere, hit, killing at least 43 people and leaving tens of thousands homeless.
While Fiji's sugar output lags behind top producer Brazil's 35 million metric tons and India's 28 million, it is the main source for their economy, supporting one in four Fijians.
The F$220-million sugar sector is the nation's second largest after tourism, and accounts for around a quarter of the economy.
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"We estimate Winston's total costs of damage to be at F$125 million," said FSG Executive Chairman Abdul Khan, citing damages to 4,000 farms, crop replacement and infrastructure repairs.
"We should be back to normal in a year's time," he added.
Viti Levu is home to Fiji's capital Suva and produces the majority of sugar.
