Fiji’s Sweet Boost: Over $2 Million in Farmer Bonuses!

Today, the Fijian government is rewarding 3,208 farmers for their hard work in increasing sugarcane productivity, distributing approximately $596,701.05 in bonuses. Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, emphasized that this initiative is part of broader government efforts to support and incentivize the sugarcane sector. Farmers who produced more cane than the previous year will receive an additional $5 per tonne for the increased production, collectively accounting for 119,340.21 tonnes of additional sugarcane harvested.

In addition to these bonuses, a separate scheme will deliver $2,171,633.34 to 7,786 farmers who engaged in manual harvesting, providing $3 per tonne for the 723,877.78 tonnes harvested during the 2024 season. Singh assured farmers that all eligible payments would be transferred directly to their bank accounts today, aiming to alleviate financial pressures faced by those in the agricultural sector.

With a hopeful outlook for Fiji’s sugar industry, Singh projected an increase from last year’s total cane production of 1.6 million tonnes to a target of 1.8 million tonnes this year, with a long-term goal of reaching 3.5 million tonnes within the next five years. This positive trend highlights the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and fostering sustainability within the industry, providing a brighter future for Fiji’s agriculture.

The government’s ongoing support aligns with previous initiatives, including a recent increase in payments for sugarcane farmers, which saw the total price per tonne reach an all-time high. These efforts not only provide immediate financial relief but also reinforce the resilience of Fiji’s farming community, promising to enhance agricultural productivity amid various challenges.

This ongoing encouragement for farmers through financial support and initiatives reflects a collaborative approach to ensuring the long-term viability of Fiji’s sugar industry, reassuring farmers of their critical role in the nation’s economy.