Eighty-eight sugarcane farmers from the western regions of Fiji received government grants on Thursday, as announced by the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, during a ceremony in Ba.
The grants distributed include the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, both designed to enhance productivity and provide essential resources to farmers. Mr. Singh emphasized that so far, 223 farmers have benefitted from the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance program, which offers critical funding to help farmers secure land for sugarcane cultivation.
“This initiative supports both new farmers and existing farmers in securing land tenure to expand their operations and maintain industry viability,” Mr. Singh stated. He added that the government acknowledges the importance of secure land access for the long-term sustainability of the sugar sector.
In response to labor shortages and rising production costs, Mr. Singh highlighted the government’s focus on farm mechanisation as an essential strategy for boosting productivity. He announced the distribution of 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators to tractor service providers throughout the sugar sector. These tools will enable farmers to plant and apply fertilizers more efficiently, significantly reducing manual labor while enhancing productivity.
With the Farm Mechanisation Grant, the government will offer a 50% subsidy on these machines, ensuring that tractor service providers obtain the equipment at a lower cost. In turn, these providers are expected to offer their services to farmers at subsidized rates, particularly for cane planting and fertilizer application. This partnership between the government and private sector is aimed at making modern farming techniques accessible to all farmers, regardless of their financial capabilities.
Mr. Singh reinforced that this mechanisation initiative is a vital component of the broader strategy to modernize the sugar industry, reduce production costs, and boost yields. “By providing these technologies to farmers, we’re paving the path for a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry in Fiji,” he stated. He concluded by expressing that the industry’s future relies on its ability to adapt and innovate.
This initiative signals a bright outlook for the sugar industry in Fiji, as it not only supports the current farmers but also encourages new entrants into the field, fostering growth and sustainability in the agricultural sector. By prioritising modernization and collaboration, the government is taking essential steps towards securing the future of sugarcane farming in the region.
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