The Fijian government is recognizing the significant contributions of 3,208 sugarcane farmers by awarding them bonuses totaling approximately $596,701.05. This initiative aims to reward farmers who have increased their sugarcane productivity. Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, highlighted that these bonuses are part of a wider strategy to support and motivate the sugarcane sector. Farmers who produced more cane than the previous year will receive an added incentive of $5 per tonne for the additional sugarcane harvested, which amounts to 119,340.21 tonnes.
Moreover, an additional scheme is set to provide $2,171,633.34 to 7,786 farmers engaged in manual harvesting, offering $3 per tonne for the 723,877.78 tonnes collected during the 2024 season. Singh reassured farmers that payments to all eligible participants would be directly deposited into their bank accounts today, assisting them in alleviating financial stress.
Looking forward, Singh expressed optimism regarding Fiji’s sugar industry, projecting an increase in total cane production from last year’s 1.6 million tonnes to a target of 1.8 million tonnes this year, with a long-term objective of reaching 3.5 million tonnes over the next five years. This outlook underscores the government’s commitment to nurturing the farming sector and promoting sustainability in agriculture.
This supportive financial framework aligns with earlier initiatives that have also raised prices paid to sugarcane farmers, marking a high point in payment rates. Such efforts not only aim to provide immediate financial relief but also bolster the resilience of Fiji’s agricultural sector, paving the way for enhanced productivity amidst various challenges.
The continuous encouragement for farmers through financial initiatives signifies a cooperative strategy to ensure the sustained viability of Fiji’s sugar industry, reinforcing their essential role in supporting the national economy. Overall, the collaboration between government and farmers promotes a more sustainable agricultural future for Fiji.
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