Yesterday, 88 sugarcane farmers from Western Fiji received government grants aimed at enhancing productivity in the sector. The grants were presented by Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, during a ceremony held in Ba.
The government is providing two significant grants: the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant. These initiatives are designed to provide essential resources and improve the productivity of sugarcane farming. To date, 223 farmers have received support from the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance programme, which enables farmers to acquire and secure land for cultivation.
Minister Singh noted that out of the recent grant beneficiaries, 52 farmers are located in the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 in Lautoka, and 23 in the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. This program not only assists new farmers but also helps existing ones secure land tenure, allowing for the expansion of their operations and sustainability of the sugar industry.
Understanding the significance of secure land access for the long-term viability of the sugar sector, the government is committed to addressing land lease issues through ongoing consultations and strategic planning.
Additionally, in response to challenges such as labor shortages and high production costs, the government is prioritizing farm mechanisation as part of its strategy to enhance productivity. As part of this initiative, 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators will be distributed to tractor service providers across the industry. This approach aims to help farmers plant and apply fertilisers more efficiently, significantly reducing manual labor.
The Farm Mechanisation Grant offers a 50% subsidy on these machines, enabling tractor service providers to acquire them affordably. These providers are then expected to serve farmers at subsidized rates for planting and fertilisation services. This collaboration between the government and private sector ensures modern farming techniques are accessible to all farmers, regardless of their financial resources.
Through this mechanisation programme, the government aims to modernize the sugar industry, lower production costs, and increase yields. Minister Singh emphasized that the future of the sugar industry in Fiji relies on the ability to adapt and innovate.
In a hopeful outlook, these initiatives could significantly enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of Fiji’s sugar industry, uplifting farmers and contributing positively to the local economy. By embracing modern practices and addressing fundamental challenges, farmers are being equipped with the tools they need to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape.
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