Yesterday, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, presented grants to 88 sugarcane farmers in the West, a significant step towards boosting the sugar industry. The event took place in Ba, where the government provided two important types of grants: the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant. These financial aids are designed to enhance productivity and supply essential resources to farmers.
The minister highlighted that, under the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance programme, a total of 223 farmers have already benefited. He mentioned, “These farmers have received critical funding that assists them in acquiring and securing land for sugarcane cultivation.” The latest round of funding includes 52 farmers in the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 in Lautoka, and 23 in the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. This initiative not only supports new farmers entering the industry but also helps to secure land tenure for those already established, thus fostering growth within the sector.
Recognizing the importance of land accessibility for the long-term viability of the sugar industry, Mr. Singh stated, “Through ongoing consultation and strategic planning, we are dedicated to addressing land lease issues to ensure every farmer has the necessary support to succeed.”
In addition, the government is focusing on addressing labor shortages and the rising production costs, with farm mechanisation playing a central role in enhancing productivity. The Minister revealed that 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators will be distributed to tractor service providers in the sugar sector. The Farm Mechanisation Grant will provide a 50 percent subsidy on these machines, allowing providers to offer their services to farmers at reduced rates, particularly for planting and fertiliser application.
This partnership between the government and private sector aims to make modern farming techniques accessible to all farmers, regardless of their financial capacity. The initiative is viewed as a pivotal move towards modernizing the sugar industry, lowering production costs, and increasing yields. Mr. Singh emphasized that adapting and innovating will be crucial for the future of the sugar industry in Fiji.
In summary, this initiative reflects a proactive approach by the government to enhance the sugar industry’s sustainability and competitiveness by investing in both land tenure security and mechanisation, ensuring a promising future for Fiji’s sugarcane farmers.
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