Sugar cane growers in Fiji are set to receive formal recognition through the newly established Prime Minister’s Sugar Cane Farmers Awards. This initiative aims to honor both longstanding farmers and newcomers to the industry, cementing the commitment to the vital sugar sector in the country.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka launched the awards during an event in Lautoka, acknowledging the dedication of approximately 10,200 active farmers in Fiji. He expressed his enthusiasm for the return of these prestigious awards, calling back to a time in the 1980s and 1990s when similar ceremonies were a celebrated feature of Fiji’s agricultural calendar. “This award brings back a proud tradition,” Rabuka stated, and he emphasized the importance of this initiative in fostering national pride and excellence among farming communities.
The awards program will be organized by the Sugar Cane Growers Council, with CEO Vimlesh Dutt highlighting its role as a positive incentive for retaining and attracting farmers to the industry. Dutt remarked, “It shows we recognize and appreciate our growers who have stuck around for many years,” showcasing the significance of such recognition in nurturing a resilient agricultural sector.
The entry process for the 2025 awards will commence on October 20 and conclude on January 31, 2026, with the ceremony scheduled for May 2026. This timeline allows ample opportunity for farmers to engage and participate, aiming to create an environment of encouragement and support in the industry.
This revival not only aligns with the government’s broader efforts to enhance the sugar industry—such as recent grants for land acquisition and the Plantation Mechanization Program—but also resonates with ongoing initiatives aimed at modernizing farming practices, addressing labor shortages, and ultimately strengthening the agricultural framework of the nation.
The positive outlook surrounding these awards signifies hope for the future of Fiji’s agriculture, as recognizing and rewarding the hard work of sugar cane farmers lays the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation in the sector. As farmers feel valued and supported, the aim of building a robust and resilient community in Fiji’s sugar industry appears more attainable.
Leave a comment