Government extends support to sugarcane farmers hit by pre-season burnt cane in Rakiraki
The government is providing financial aid to five sugarcane farmers in Rakiraki who lost part of their crops to pre-season burnt cane, helping them re-establish and develop their cane farms. Speaking on Wednesday, Sugar Industry Minister Charan Jeath Singh said the assistance, while small, sends a clear message that the government stands with farmers and is committed to their continued participation in sugarcane farming.
We want to help you re-establish your lost crop and encourage your continued participation in sugarcane farming, the minister said, underscoring the government’s resolve to support the industry as burnt cane remains a major challenge.
Minister Singh cautioned that rising incidents of cane burning, especially in Rakiraki, are undermining the ability to secure reliable buyers and could push down sugar prices on the global market. Farmers face not only immediate losses but also longer-term income pressure, he noted, urging collective action to curb the destructive practice.
Alongside these efforts, the Ministry of Sugar Industry is rolling out 12 programs this financial year designed to support farmers and boost cane production, a cornerstone of the government’s wider plans for the sector. The Cane Planting Grant has been revised to target productive farmers capable of delivering tangible returns on investment, reinforcing the focus on effectiveness and sustainability.
In another step to strengthen ties within the sector, the government announced the launch of a CANE GROWER newsletter produced by the Sugar Cane Growers Council. The publication will serve as a bridge between farmers, industry stakeholders, and government, helping to communicate policy updates, industry news, and available support more effectively.
Context from previous reforms shows the scale of ongoing support. Earlier this year, the government introduced a Pre-Season Burnt Cane Rehabilitation Grant that benefited dozens of farmers in Fiji’s Western Division, and a broader push to improve land access and mechanisation has continued to shape the sector. For example, past rounds of New Farmers/Lease Premium Grants and Farm Mechanisation Grants have provided resources to hundreds of farmers, including the distribution of 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators with a 50% subsidy to service providers, enabling more affordable access to modern farming equipment and practices.
The Sugar Cane Growers Council and other industry bodies have also backed compensation initiatives aimed at offsetting losses from cane fires, including rehabilitation packages of about 650 dollars per acre for crops damaged outside the crushing season, reflecting a broader government and industry commitment to resilience and recovery.
What this means for farmers and the industry
– Targeted financial help for those most affected by pre-season burnt cane is part of a broader strategy to stabilize livelihoods and maintain supply quality.
– A new CANE GROWER newsletter could improve information flow and collaboration among farmers, councils, and government agencies.
– Ongoing reforms on land access, farm mechanisation, and cost-efficient planting and fertilising practices aim to reduce vulnerability to future incidents and improve productivity.
Commentary
The combination of targeted grants, wider mechanisation programs, and a dedicated information channel signals a proactive approach to a long-standing challenge in Fiji’s sugar industry. By reinforcing support for immediate losses while investing in modern farming methods and secure land access, the government appears to be pursuing a balanced strategy focused on resilience, growth, and long-term competitiveness. If implemented effectively, these measures could help stabilize farmer incomes, improve sugar quality, and strengthen Fiji’s position in global markets.
Overall, this development reflects continued government commitment to helping farmers rebound from losses due to burnt cane and to building a more resilient, productive sugarcane sector in Fiji.
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