In a bid to boost sugarcane productivity and support farmers in the northern division, the Ministry of Sugar has provided assistance to 22 farmers in Labasa and 36 farmers in Seaqaqa through the New Farmers and Lease Renewal Program.
Participants in this initiative are eligible for financial aid covering 30% of their lease renewal costs, with a maximum support of $7,500.
During the distribution of grant agreements to the farmers, Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh highlighted the program’s goal to alleviate financial challenges faced by farmers and to encourage both new and existing farmers to increase sugarcane production.
The minister emphasized the importance of reviving the sugar industry, which is the largest industry in the northern division. He noted that the assistance was introduced in response to farmers’ concerns regarding the steep premiums for lease renewals.
Additionally, two farmers in Seaqaqa received support through the Farm Mechanization Grant for purchasing a cane planter and fertilizer applicator.
The Ministry plans to extend similar support to sugarcane farmers in the western division as well. To date, a total of 177 sugarcane farmers in the northern and western divisions have benefited from this program.
Seaqaqa farmer Mohammed Janab expressed his gratitude for the government’s initiative, stating that the financial support has provided significant relief for him and his family, as the government contributed $5,000 towards his $15,000 lease renewal premium.