In an effort to tackle the labour shortages faced by sugarcane farms, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar has provided five Tractor Service Providers (TSPs) in the Western Division with essential agricultural equipment. This support comes as part of the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation grant programme and includes TSPs from Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki.
During a handover event in Ba, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, explained that this initiative is designed to improve productivity within the sugar industry, specifically by addressing the pressing issues of labour shortages and high production costs. He emphasized that “We are prioritising farm mechanisation as a key part of our strategy to boost sugar productivity.”
Farmer representatives, including Varavu Farmers’ Cooperative president Noa Kautoga, expressed appreciation for the government’s continued support of sugarcane farmers through various initiatives. Kautoga noted that such mechanisation programs enable farmers to adopt modern techniques that are crucial for overcoming the significant challenges posed by labour shortages on farms.
Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to fostering a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry through these initiatives. The Farm Mechanisation grant programme offers a 50 percent subsidy on the equipment, making it more accessible for TSPs to serve farmers at reduced rates, particularly for tasks like cane planting and fertilizer application.
This initiative not only aims to increase productivity and reduce operational costs but also represents a hopeful step towards modernizing the sugar industry, thereby securing a more prosperous future for farmers and the sector as a whole. By embracing mechanisation, the industry can enhance its competitiveness and sustainability, ultimately benefiting the agricultural economy.
In summary, the government’s efforts to support sugarcane farmers through mechanisation reflect a proactive approach to overcoming current challenges in the industry, ensuring a brighter and more efficient agricultural future.
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