To improve sugarcane productivity and provide support to sugarcane farmers in the northern division, the Ministry of Sugar has extended assistance to 22 farmers in Labasa and 36 in Seaqaqa through the New Farmers and Lease Renewal Program.
This initiative provides eligible farmers with financial aid that covers 30% of lease renewal costs, capped at a maximum of $7,500.
During the distribution of grant agreements to the farmers, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh emphasized that the goal of the program is to alleviate financial pressures on farmers and motivate both new and existing farmers to enhance sugarcane production.
Minister Singh noted that the sugar industry is the largest sector in the northern division and requires revitalization. He explained that the government’s assistance was initiated after farmers expressed concerns regarding the steep costs associated with lease renewals.
Additionally, two farmers from Seaqaqa received support through the Farm Mechanization Grant for equipment such as a cane planter and fertilizer applicator.
The Ministry is also set to provide assistance to sugarcane farmers in the western division, with a total of 177 sugarcane farmers in the north and western divisions having benefited from this program thus far.
In related remarks, Mohammed Janab, a sugarcane farmer from Seaqaqa, expressed gratitude for the government’s initiative and thanked the Ministry for the financial aid. He highlighted that this support is significantly beneficial for him and his family, as the government has covered $5,000 of his $15,000 lease premium.