To combat the labor shortages affecting sugarcane farms, the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar has introduced five Tractor Service Providers (TSPs) in the Western Division, specifically targeting regions in Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s Farm Mechanisation grant program aimed at enhancing productivity across the sugar industry.
During a recent equipment handover in Ba, Minister of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, emphasized the program’s goal to boost sugar productivity by tackling the pressing issues of labor shortages and escalating production costs. He stated, “Recognising 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 farm mechanisation initiative aims to modernize the sugar industry, lower production costs, and increase yields. Noa Kautoga, president of the Varavu Farmers’ Cooperative, expressed appreciation for the government’s ongoing support of sugarcane farmers. He highlighted that such initiatives allow farmers to adopt modern farming techniques while addressing the significant labor shortages they currently face.
Furthermore, the Minister clarified that the government is facilitating a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry through these initiatives. The Farm Mechanisation grant program provides a 50% subsidy on machinery, ensuring that TSPs can offer their services at reduced rates, particularly for cane planting and fertilizer application.
This initiative represents a positive step forward for the sugar industry, indicating a commitment to modernization and sustainability while effectively addressing the challenges that farmers are facing.
In summary, the government’s efforts to provide mechanization support to sugarcane farmers not only aims to alleviate labor shortages but also promotes a more efficient and productive industry, potentially leading to better economic outcomes for farmers and the wider community involved in sugar production.
Leave a comment