The Ministry of Sugar has successfully enrolled 325 farmers in its newly launched assistance program aimed at supporting new farmers and addressing lease premium challenges. This initiative provides essential financial aid that enables farmers to secure land necessary for sugarcane cultivation.
During a recent visit to Labasa, Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh announced this development and revealed plans to extend support to an additional 38 farmers. Among them, 23 are located in the Labasa Mill area, five in Lautoka, and ten in the Rarawai mill vicinity. The program is designed to benefit new entrants to the industry while also helping existing farmers expand their operations, contributing to the sustainability of the sugar sector.
Minister Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring land security as a cornerstone for the long-term viability of the sugar industry. He reiterated that through strategic planning and ongoing consultations, the government aims to address land lease issues and provide necessary support to farmers.
In addition to land access, the ministry is prioritizing the modernization of farming practices to counter labor shortages and high production costs. A key aspect of this strategy is farm mechanization, which will enhance productivity. Minister Singh highlighted the distribution of 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators to tractor service providers throughout the sugar sector. This equipment, made available at a 50 percent subsidy through the farm mechanization grant, will enable farmers to plant and apply fertilizers more efficiently, reducing reliance on manual labor.
In support of this initiative, Mr. Singh noted that six service providers in the Northern region have successfully received these essential implements, with plans for additional providers to join the program soon. He emphasized that the mechanization strategy is vital for modernizing the sugar industry, decreasing production costs, and increasing overall yields, thus fostering a competitive market in Fiji.
One illustration of the program’s impact is the story of Aiyub Khan, who received a $9,500 mechanization grant for a sugarcane planter and a fertilizer applicator. Mr. Khan, a dedicated farmer with eight sugarcane farms, expressed his gratitude to the government for this valuable partnership, which he believes will allow him to invest further into his sugarcane farming operations. He shared his belief in the power of mechanization to address labor shortages and promote smarter farming practices.
This initiative not only promises to uplift the lives of farmers but also positions the sugar industry in Fiji for a more sustainable and prosperous future. With ongoing support and modernization efforts, the prospects for local sugarcane farming remain bright.
In summary, the Ministry of Sugar is making significant strides in supporting farmers through funding and mechanization, laying a stronger foundation for the future of sugarcane farming in Fiji.
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