Yesterday, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, presented government grants to 88 sugarcane farmers in Ba, as part of an initiative aimed at boosting productivity in the sector. This assistance includes two significant grants: the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, which are designed to provide essential resources for farmers.
Minister Singh reported that a total of 223 farmers have benefited from the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance program so far. He emphasized the importance of these grants in helping farmers secure land for sugarcane cultivation, noting that the latest round of support includes 52 farmers from the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 from Lautoka, and 23 from the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. This initiative not only aids new farmers but also strengthens land tenure for existing farmers, thereby promoting the sustainability of the industry.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving land lease issues, highlighting that secure land access is vital for the sugar industry’s long-term stability. Additionally, he pointed out the pressing challenges of labor shortages and high production costs, announcing a focused strategy on farm mechanisation to escalate productivity levels.
In this regard, a total of 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators are being distributed to tractor service providers throughout the sugar sector. The introduction of these tools aims to enhance efficiency in planting and fertilisation processes, ultimately reducing manual labor while improving overall productivity.
Through the Farm Mechanisation Grant, the government will subsidize 50% of the cost of these machines, making it financially feasible for tractor service providers to acquire this equipment. In return, these service providers are expected to offer their machinery services to farmers at subsidised rates, particularly for planting and applying fertilisers. This collaborative effort between the government and the private sector ensures that modern farming techniques are accessible to all farmers, irrespective of their financial capacities.
Minister Singh emphasized that this mechanisation program is a pivotal part of the strategy to modernize the sugar industry, lower production costs, and enhance crop yields. The ultimate goal is to prepare for a more sustainable and competitive sugar sector in Fiji, demonstrating a proactive approach to adapting and innovating for the industry’s future.
This positive collaboration between the government and local farmers indicates a strong commitment to revitalizing the sugar sector and highlights the potential for growth and sustainability in Fiji’s agricultural landscape.
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