Eight farmers in Fiji’s Western Division have been awarded New Farmer Assistance and Lease Premium Renewal grants, highlighting the Coalition Government’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the nation’s sugar industry. The grants were presented earlier this week by Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Sugar Industry, who emphasized the government’s dedication to reinforcing the cane sector and providing essential support to farmers.
Under the Coalition Government’s initiatives, cane farmers have benefited from historically high payments. In 2022, payments reached $91.38 per tonne, which increased to $105.08 per tonne in 2023, followed by $101.13 per tonne in the previous year. This support is part of a broader strategy aimed at boosting national cane production by 200,000 tonnes annually, focusing on enhancing mill performance, improving logistics, and providing better governance and field support.
This recent grant distribution falls under the New Farmer and Lease Premium Assistance Programme, which has provided a total of $2.7 million to assist 587 farmers across the nation. Specifically, the eight farmers in the Western Division received a combined total of $43,479. Additionally, 16 farmers in Labasa are set to receive $78,473 later this week, further demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting the sugar farming community.
In a noteworthy update, Singh will now take on a new role as Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Public Enterprises, marking a pivotal shift in his responsibilities within the government. The initiatives and financial support for farmers are vital steps toward building a resilient sugar industry in Fiji, fostering economic growth, and ensuring the sustainability of farming communities within the region.
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