In an effort to combat the ongoing labor shortages in the sugarcane farming sector, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar has provided five Tractor Service Providers (TSPs) in the Western Division with essential farm machinery. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation grant program, with recipients located in Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki.
During a recent machinery handover event in Ba, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, emphasized that this initiative has been designed to improve productivity within the sugar industry, which is currently grappling with significant challenges, including labor shortages and elevated production costs. Singh highlighted the need for farm mechanisation as a key strategy to enhance sugar productivity.
He stated, “The farm mechanisation programme is a crucial part of our overall strategy to modernise the sugar industry, reduce production costs, and increase yields.” The president of the Varavu Farmers’ Cooperative, Noa Kautoga, expressed his gratitude towards the government for its continued support of sugarcane farmers through various initiatives. Kautoga noted that such mechanisation programs enable farmers to adopt modern farming techniques and effectively address the critical issue of labor shortages.
The minister further indicated that the government is committed to fostering a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry with these supportive measures. He explained that the farm mechanisation grant program includes a 50 percent subsidy on the machinery, making it easier for TSPs to access this crucial equipment affordably. These service providers are also expected to offer their services to farmers at reduced rates, particularly for tasks such as cane planting and fertilizer application.
This proactive measure by the Ministry not only aids in dealing with current labor challenges but also positions the sugar industry for a more sustainable future, ensuring that farmers can improve their efficiencies and yields. Such government initiatives are essential for the revitalization of the agricultural sector, fostering growth and ultimately benefiting the rural economy.
Summary: The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar is addressing labor shortages in sugarcane farming by providing five Tractor Service Providers with machinery through a grant program. The initiative aims to improve productivity and reduce production costs, demonstrating the government’s commitment to modernizing the sugar industry.
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