Yesterday, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, awarded government grants to 88 sugarcane farmers from the West during a ceremony in Ba. The grants in question include the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, both aimed at enhancing productivity and providing essential resources to farmers.
Mr. Singh noted that this initiative is part of a broader program that has already supported 223 farmers in securing land for sugarcane farming. The latest distribution saw 52 farmers in the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 in Lautoka, and 23 in the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor receive vital support. The government recognizes secure land access as critical for the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry, and they are committed to resolving land lease issues for farmers.
Additionally, the minister highlighted the significance of addressing labor shortages and high production costs by focusing on farm mechanization. As part of this strategy, 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators will be provided to tractor service providers across the sugar sector. The Farm Mechanisation Grant will subsidize 50 percent of these machines, making it more affordable for service providers.
In exchange, these providers will offer subsidized services to farmers, especially for cane planting and fertilizer application. This collaboration between the government and private sector aims to bring modern farming techniques within reach of all farmers, regardless of their financial resources. Mr. Singh emphasized that this mechanization initiative is essential for modernizing the sugar industry, reducing production costs, and boosting yields, ultimately ensuring a sustainable and competitive future for sugar production in Fiji.
This investment in farmer support and mechanization not only aims to revitalize the sugar industry but also encourages innovative farming practices that can lead to a healthier economy for the region.
In summary, the government’s commitment to supporting sugarcane farmers through grants and mechanization signifies a progressive step towards sustainability and innovation in Fiji’s agricultural sector.
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