Yesterday, the Government distributed grants to 88 sugarcane farmers in the West, a move led by the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh. The handing-over ceremony took place in Ba, highlighting two significant grants: the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, aimed at enhancing productivity and providing essential resources to farmers.
Minister Singh noted that to date, 223 farmers have benefited from the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance program. He emphasized the importance of these grants, stating that they assist farmers in securing land for sugarcane cultivation. Of the latest beneficiaries, 52 are from the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 from Lautoka, and 23 from the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. This support not only aids new entrants but also strengthens land tenure for existing farmers, helping them grow their operations and maintain the sugar industry’s viability.
Acknowledging the critical role of secure land access for the sugar sector’s long-term sustainability, Singh expressed the Government’s commitment to resolving land lease issues through ongoing consultations and strategic planning. He highlighted the need to address labor shortages and high production costs, prioritizing farm mechanisation as an integral component of their strategy to enhance productivity.
As part of this mechanisation effort, 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators will be distributed to tractor service providers across the sugar sector. These tools are expected to improve efficiency in planting and fertiliser application, thereby reducing the need for manual labor and boosting overall productivity.
The Farm Mechanisation Grant will offer a 50% subsidy on these machines, making them more affordable for tractor service providers. In return, these providers are expected to offer decreased service rates to farmers, especially for sugarcane planting and fertiliser application. This collaborative approach between the Government and the private sector aims to make modern farming techniques more accessible, irrespective of farmers’ financial resources.
Minister Singh concluded by stressing that this mechanisation initiative is a vital element of the broader strategy to modernize the sugar industry, curtail production costs, and enhance crop yields. By embracing these technological advancements, the Government aims to foster a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry in Fiji, asserting that the future of this essential sector relies on the ability to adapt and innovate.
Overall, this initiative is a positive step forward for the agricultural sector, providing farmers with the tools and resources necessary for growth and sustainability. The focus on mechanisation and modern techniques signifies a promising direction for the future of sugarcane farming in Fiji, potentially ensuring greater economic stability for its farmers.
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