Sugar Cane Growers Council launches Cane Grower newsletter to keep Fiji’s sugar farmers informed
The Fiji government has unveiled Cane Grower, a dedicated newsletter from the Sugar Cane Growers Council aimed at keeping sugarcane farmers informed and engaged. During the launch, Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh said the publication will provide timely updates on programs, initiatives and government support tailored to farmers’ needs. “It gives me great pleasure to reach out to you through the Sugar Cane Growers Council’s newsletter, Cane Grower, a platform dedicated to keeping you informed, connected and empowered,” the minister said.
The Cane Grower newsletter will also highlight success stories from the field, showcasing innovation, perseverance and growth among farmers. Singling out the industry’s backbone, Singh noted that the sugar sector rests on the hard work, resilience and dedication of cane farmers, and this platform will strengthen ties between farmers, industry stakeholders and government. Farmers will be able to access the newsletter via the Ministry’s Facebook page, the Ministry website, and the SCGC Facebook page. Singh congratulated the Sugar Cane Growers Council on the initiative and encouraged farmers to make full use of the information and opportunities shared.
Context and added value
– The Cane Grower initiative arrives alongside ongoing government efforts to support sugarcane farmers, including land access and mechanisation programs that have benefitted hundreds of farmers in recent years. These initiatives underline a sustained push to modernize the sector, improve productivity, and secure livelihoods for farming communities.
– Past programs have distributed substantial resources, such as farm mechanisation grants with 50% subsidies for equipment like sugarcane planters and fertiliser applicators, and land-access support under New Farmers/Lease Premium grants. These measures have helped farmers across regions including Ba, Labasa, Lautoka, and the Nadi-Sigatoka corridor.
– Recent figures indicate hundreds of farmers have benefited from these schemes to date, with allocations continuing into the 2024-2025 financial year to expand reach and impact.
Summary
The Cane Grower newsletter represents a new channel to connect Fiji’s sugarcane farmers with timely government updates, success stories, and practical opportunities. By strengthening communication among farmers, industry stakeholders and policymakers, the initiative supports a more informed, connected and resilient sugar sector.
Positive outlook
This move is a positive step toward deeper farmer engagement and ongoing modernization of Fiji’s sugar industry. With continual information flow and concrete supports like land-access and mechanisation programs, the sector stands to gain in productivity, sustainability and community resilience.
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