The Sugar Ministry in Fiji is reporting encouraging trends in the sugarcane farming sector, particularly regarding the rise of women farmers, which has been supported by the implementation of a gender-responsive budget. Renu Dayal, a principal economic planning officer at the Ministry, highlighted this positive shift during a recent training program organized by the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) in Lautoka. The training session focused on best management practices tailored for female farmers in the industry.

Dayal noted that the Ministry of Finance is keen on tracking the effectiveness of their gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) initiatives, particularly in terms of grants and resources available to women in the sugarcane farming sector. She emphasized that sugarcane farming is manageable, as the primary labor-intensive period spans just six months, followed by cultivation and harvesting.

Despite the advancements, Dayal also acknowledged ongoing challenges within the farming community, such as drainage issues and the deteriorating condition of cane access roads, which have been exacerbated by vehicle usage. In response, the government has allocated a budget of $5 million to address these infrastructural concerns.

The rising participation of women in sugarcane farming marks a significant change from past practices where applications for grants were predominantly submitted by men. This shift represents a growing inclusivity in agriculture, indicating the potential for a more balanced and sustainable farming community in Fiji.

Though there are challenges such as harassment faced by women farmers, as highlighted in previous reports, the emphasis on training and support from government initiatives signals a potential for a more empowered female presence in the agricultural sector. The combined efforts to enhance agricultural practices while ensuring safety and accessibility create an optimistic outlook for the future of sugarcane farming in Fiji.

In summary, the initiatives aimed at engaging women in farming, coupled with financial support and infrastructure improvements, point to a hopeful transformation in the sugar industry, promoting sustainable practices and a resilient agricultural community in Fiji.