The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, announced the distribution of government grants to 88 sugarcane farmers from the Western region during an event held in Ba. The two primary grants being offered are the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, both aimed at improving productivity and supplying essential resources to farmers.
To date, 223 farmers have benefited from the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance program, which provides critical funding to help secure land for sugarcane cultivation. Mr. Singh noted that the current support includes 52 farmers from the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 in Lautoka, and 23 in the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. This initiative not only aids new entrants into the field but also helps existing farmers secure land tenure, thereby expanding their operations and sustaining the sugar industry.
The minister emphasized the importance of land access for the long-term sustainability of the sector. The government is committed to resolving issues related to land leases through ongoing consultation and strategic planning, ensuring all farmers have the necessary support to thrive.
Addressing challenges such as labor shortages and high production costs, the government is prioritizing farm mechanization as a means to enhance productivity. To this end, 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators are being distributed to tractor service providers within the sugar industry.
The Farm Mechanisation Grant will provide a significant 50 percent subsidy on these machines, allowing tractor service providers to acquire them at a reduced cost. In exchange, these providers will supply their services to farmers at subsidized rates, particularly for tasks like planting and applying fertilizers. This collaboration between the government and the private sector aims to ensure that modern farming techniques are within reach for all farmers, regardless of their financial situation.
Mr. Singh stated that this mechanization initiative is integral to modernizing the sugar industry, lowering production costs, and increasing yield. He highlighted that investing in technology is crucial for securing a competitive and sustainable future for Fiji’s sugar industry.
In conclusion, this initiative is a promising step towards revitalizing Fiji’s sugar industry, offering farmers the tools and support they need to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape. The government’s commitment to modernization and sustainability can pave the way for a brighter future in sugarcane farming.
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