On March 27, 2025, a group of fifty-nine sugarcane farmers in Seaqaqa received grants through the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant Program, aimed at facilitating land acquisition and lease renewals. This initiative is part of the Fijian government’s broader strategy to secure land tenure and promote sustainability within the country’s sugar industry.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting both new and established farmers. He emphasized, “This program is crucial not just for new farmers, but also for those already in the industry, providing them the security to grow their businesses and continue contributing to the nation’s agricultural strength.”
Singh further underscored the wider benefits of the program, including improvements in livelihoods and food security, stating, “It’s more than just land—it’s about investing in the future of our nation’s economy.” The grants were welcomed by recipients, including Mr. Aizleen Sheeral Shaukat Ali, who expressed gratitude for the government’s support, remarking that the financial assistance helps alleviate burdens and allows farmers to reinvest in their operations.
The grants align with previous initiatives in the sector where similar support has been provided to farmers across different regions, enhancing productivity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Fiji’s sugar industry. For instance, just a day prior to this event, 88 farmers were awarded grants aimed at tackling labor shortages and production costs through farm mechanization, a critical strategy echoed by Singh during the Seaqaqa awards.
This ongoing support reflects a hopeful perspective for Fiji’s agriculture, as it not only empowers individual farmers, but also strengthens the agricultural framework of the nation, paving the way for a resilient future in sugar production. By investing in the modernization of farming practices and addressing the fundamental challenges within the industry, the initiative holds promise for enhancing productivity and sustainability in the sugarcane sector.
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