To combat the labour shortage in sugarcane farming, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar has provided five Tractor Service Providers (TSPs) in the Western Division with essential farm machinery. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation grant programme, aimed at improving productivity and addressing critical challenges such as high production costs.
During the handover ceremony in Ba, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, emphasized that prioritizing farm mechanisation is crucial to enhance sugar productivity. He stated, “Recognizing the need to tackle labour shortages and high production costs, we are prioritising farm mechanisation as a key part of our strategy to boost sugar productivity.”
The Varavu Farmers’ Cooperative president, Noa Kautoga, expressed gratitude towards the government for its steadfast support of sugarcane farmers. He noted that initiatives like the mechanisation programme are vital as they allow farmers to employ modern techniques while effectively addressing the persistent issue of labour shortages.
Minister Singh also highlighted the government’s commitment to developing a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry through these initiatives. The farm mechanisation grant programme includes a generous 50% subsidy on machinery, making it feasible for TSPs to offer their services to farmers at reduced rates, particularly for cane planting and fertilizer application.
This initiative reflects a proactive approach by the government to support sugarcane farmers in facing ongoing challenges while modernizing the industry for future growth and sustainability.
In summary, this program not only helps alleviate immediate labour shortages but also paves the way for a more efficient and productive agricultural sector, signifying a positive step forward for the sugarcane industry in the region.
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