To combat the labor shortages affecting sugarcane farms, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar has provided five Tractor Service Providers (TSPs) in the Western Division with essential farm machinery. These TSPs, located in Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki, received support through the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation grant programme.
During the handover of the machinery in Ba, Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, emphasized that this initiative is a strategic move to enhance productivity within the sugar industry, particularly in light of the pressing issues of labor shortages and rising production costs. He stated, “Recognising the need to tackle labour shortages and high production costs, we are prioritising farm mechanisation as a key part of our strategy to boost sugar productivity.”
The minister pointed out that the mechanisation programme is fundamental to modernizing the sugar sector, aiming to lower production costs while increasing crop yields. Noa Kautoga, president of the Varavu Farmers’ Cooperative, acknowledged the government’s continued support through various initiatives that benefit sugarcane farmers, particularly highlighting the significance of modern technology in alleviating labor shortages.
The Minister also highlighted that the government offers a 50 percent subsidy on the machinery provided in the mechanisation grant programme. This subsidy allows TSPs to offer their services to farmers at reduced rates, especially for essential tasks like cane planting and fertilizer application.
Overall, this initiative not only aims to address immediate labor challenges but also sets the foundation for a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry in the future. The move reflects a promising trend toward modernization in agriculture, which can ultimately lead to greater efficiency and productivity for farmers.
This emphasis on mechanisation is a hopeful sign for the agricultural sector, suggesting a shift towards innovation that may empower farmers and improve the overall viability of the sugar industry in the long run.
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