To combat the labor shortages affecting sugarcane farms, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar industry has introduced five Tractor Service Providers (TSPs) in the Western Division. This initiative, aimed at enhancing productivity, is part of the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation grant program and involves assistance for sugarcane planters and fertilizer applicators.
During the machinery handover event in Ba, Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, emphasized the initiative’s goal of addressing critical issues in the sugar industry, including labor shortages and elevated production costs. “We are prioritizing farm mechanisation as a key strategy to boost sugar productivity,” Singh stated, highlighting the importance of technological advancements in agriculture.
The president of the Varavu Farmers’ Cooperative, Noa Kautoga, expressed gratitude for the government’s continued support toward sugarcane farmers, pointing out that programs like mechanisation help implement modern farming techniques and tackle the persistent labor issues faced by the industry.
The government is taking significant steps towards a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry through such initiatives. Singh mentioned that the farm mechanisation grant program includes a 50% subsidy for these machines, making them more accessible for TSPs. These providers are expected to offer their services to farmers at reduced rates, particularly for tasks such as cane planting and fertilizer application.
This initiative represents a hopeful shift towards modernizing agriculture and supports farmers in overcoming challenges, ultimately contributing to the sugar industry’s growth and resilience.
Summary: The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar industry has launched a program to assist sugarcane farmers with five Tractor Service Providers to address labor shortages and enhance productivity. This project is part of a broader strategy to modernize the sugar industry, reduce production costs, and improve yields through mechanisation and government subsidies.
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