The Ministry of Sugar Industry is working to improve sugarcane productivity and aid sugarcane farmers in the Northern Division by assisting 22 farmers in Labasa and 36 farmers in Seaqaqa through the New Farmers and Lease Renewal Program. This initiative provides eligible farmers with financial assistance covering 30 percent of lease renewal costs, up to a maximum of $7,500.
During a handover ceremony for grant agreements, the Minister for Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, stated that the program is designed to alleviate financial pressures on farmers while encouraging both new and existing farmers to increase sugarcane production. He emphasized the importance of reviving the sugar industry, which is the largest industry in the northern division.
Singh indicated that the government’s support through this program was a response to farmers’ concerns regarding expensive lease renewal premiums. Additionally, two farmers from Seaqaqa received aid through the Farm Mechanization Grant for equipment such as a cane planter and fertilizer applicator.
The Ministry plans to extend this assistance to sugarcane farmers in the western division as well. To date, a total of 177 sugarcane farmers in both the northern and western divisions have benefited from this program.
Seaqaqa farmer Mohammed Janab expressed his gratitude for the government’s initiative, noting that the support has provided significant relief for him and his family, as the government has covered $5,000 of his $15,000 premium.