To improve sugarcane productivity and assist farmers in the northern division, the Ministry of Sugar has provided support to 22 farmers in Labasa and 36 farmers in Seaqaqa through the New Farmers and Lease Renewal Program.
This initiative offers eligible farmers financial aid covering 30% of lease renewal costs, with a maximum limit of $7,500.
During the distribution of grant agreements to the farmers, Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, emphasized that the program is designed to alleviate financial pressures on farmers and motivate both new and established farmers to enhance sugarcane production.
Singh noted that the sugar industry is a vital sector in the northern division that requires revitalization. He stated that government support was initiated in response to farmers’ concerns regarding the steep costs associated with lease renewals.
Additionally, two farmers from Seaqaqa received support through the Farm Mechanization Grant, which includes assistance for a cane planter and a fertilizer applicator.
The Ministry plans to extend assistance to sugarcane farmers in the western division as well. To date, 177 sugarcane farmers in both the northern and western divisions have benefited from this program.
In a show of gratitude, Seaqaqa sugarcane farmer Mohammed Janab expressed appreciation for the government’s initiative and thanked the Sugar Ministry for the financial assistance. He mentioned that this help has greatly alleviated his burden, as the government covered $5,000 of his $15,000 lease renewal premium.