Yesterday, 88 sugarcane farmers in the West received government grants from the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, during a ceremony held in Ba. The grants included the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, both aimed at enhancing productivity and providing essential resources to farmers.
Minister Singh announced that with this latest round of assistance, a total of 223 farmers have benefitted from the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance programme, which helps farmers secure land for sugarcane cultivation. He specified that among the new beneficiaries, 52 farmers are from the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 from Lautoka, and 23 from the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. Singh emphasized the importance of secure land access for the long-term viability of the sugar industry, stating that the government is committed to addressing land lease challenges through ongoing consultations and strategic planning.
Moreover, in response to labor shortages and rising production costs, the government is focusing on farm mechanisation as a critical component of its strategy to enhance productivity. As part of this initiative, the government is distributing 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators to tractor service providers throughout the sugar sector.
Under the Farm Mechanisation Grant, a 50 percent subsidy is being offered for this equipment, making it more affordable for tractor service providers. In turn, these providers are expected to offer their services at subsidised rates for cane planting and fertiliser application. This collaborative effort between the government and the private sector aims to ensure that modern farming techniques are readily available to all farmers, regardless of their financial capabilities.
Minister Singh remarked, “This mechanisation programme is a crucial part of our overall strategy to modernise the sugar industry, reduce production costs, and increase yields. By making these technologies available to farmers, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry in Fiji.” He concluded with a hopeful note, highlighting that the industry’s future hinges on their ability to adapt and innovate.
This initiative is a positive step toward revitalizing Fiji’s sugar industry and supporting the livelihoods of farmers, fostering a more sustainable agricultural future.
Summary: The government has provided grants to 88 sugarcane farmers in Fiji to help enhance productivity and land access. Minister Charan Jeath Singh highlighted that this effort is part of a larger strategy to modernize the sugar industry through mechanisation and support for new farmers, ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture in the country.
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