Yesterday, 88 sugarcane farmers from the Western region were awarded government grants by Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar. The event took place in Ba.
The grants, which are part of the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and Farm Mechanisation Grant programs, aim to boost productivity and provide essential resources to farmers. To date, 223 farmers have benefited from the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance programme, with this latest round supporting 88 additional farmers—52 from the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 from Lautoka, and 23 from the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. Singh emphasized that these initiatives not only assist new farmers but also help secure land tenure for existing ones, which is vital for the longevity of the sugar industry.
Recognizing the importance of stable land access, Singh stated that the government is committed to addressing land lease challenges through ongoing consultations and strategic planning. Additionally, to tackle issues like labor shortages and rising production costs, farm mechanization has been prioritized.
As part of this effort, the ministry is distributing 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators to tractor service providers within the sector. Singh noted that these tools will enhance planting and fertilizer application efficiency, reducing the need for manual labor and improving overall productivity. The Farm Mechanisation Grant provides a 50% subsidy for these machines, enabling service providers to offer affordable services to farmers.
The partnership between the government and the private sector aims to ensure that all farmers, regardless of their resources, can access modern farming techniques. “This mechanization program is pivotal to modernizing the sugar industry, lowering production costs, and increasing yields,” Singh stated. He emphasized that the industry’s future relies on the capacity to adapt and innovate.
In essence, these initiatives represent a significant step toward modernizing Fiji’s sugar industry, potentially enhancing sustainability and competitiveness while providing much-needed support to local farmers.
Overall, this approach could lead to a revitalized and thriving sugar sector in the region, benefitting both farmers and the wider economy.
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