Yesterday, 88 sugarcane farmers from the Western region were awarded grants by Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar. The ceremony took place in Ba and focused on two significant grants: the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, both aimed at enhancing productivity and providing essential resources to farmers.
So far, the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance programme has supported a total of 223 farmers, with the latest distribution benefiting farmers spread across various areas—52 in the Rarawai to Penang Mill vicinity, 13 in Lautoka, and 23 in the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. Minister Singh emphasized the importance of secure land access for the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing land lease challenges through ongoing consultations and strategic planning.
In addressing labor shortages and high production costs, the government has placed a strong emphasis on farm mechanization as a cornerstone of its strategy to bolster productivity. The initiative includes the distribution of 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators to tractor service providers in the sugar sector.
Moreover, the Farm Mechanisation Grant offers a 50 percent subsidy on these machines, making them more affordable for service providers. In turn, these providers are expected to offer their services to farmers at reduced rates, particularly for planting and fertilisation tasks. This partnership between the government and private sector aims to ensure that modern farming techniques are accessible to all farmers, fostering a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry in Fiji.
Minister Singh concluded by asserting that the future of the sugar industry hinges on the ability to adapt and innovate, signaling a hopeful trajectory for the sector.
This initiative not only strengthens the support for individual farmers but also represents a proactive approach to modernizing the industry, which can lead to increased yields and more sustainable practices. By focusing on both funding and technical assistance, the government is laying a strong foundation for the future of sugarcane farming in Fiji.
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