The Government recently awarded grants to 88 sugarcane farmers in the West, a move facilitated by Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar. The ceremony took place in Ba, emphasizing the government’s dedication to enhancing productivity in the sugar industry through crucial means.
Two significant grants were distributed: the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant. These initiatives aim to provide essential resources to farmers, contributing to the sustainable growth of the sector. To date, the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance program has supported 223 farmers, according to Singh, who highlighted the importance of funding for securing land dedicated to sugarcane farming.
Singh noted that the latest assistance would benefit numerous farmers in different regions, specifically 52 in the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 in Lautoka, and 23 in the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. This program is designed not only to assist new entrants into the industry but also to help existing farmers expand their operations, ensuring the industry’s longevity.
Understanding the critical need for secure land access, Singh committed to ongoing consultations aimed at addressing land lease issues, which he recognizes as pivotal for the sugar sector’s long-term stability.
In addressing challenges like labor shortages and increasing production costs, the government is prioritizing farm mechanisation. To support this initiative, the distribution of 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators to tractor service providers has commenced. This distribution aligns with the Farm Mechanisation Grant, which promises a 50 percent subsidy on these machines, thereby enabling tractor service providers to offer affordable services to farmers for planting and fertilizing.
This partnership between the government and the private sector aims to make modern farming techniques accessible to all farmers, irrespective of their financial resources. Singh emphasized that this mechanisation program is a key strategy to modernize the sugar industry, reduce production costs, and boost yield.
By investing in technology and innovation, the future of Fiji’s sugar industry appears promising, potentially leading to a more sustainable and competitive market.
Overall, this initiative reflects a robust commitment to revitalizing the sugar industry, showcasing optimism for its advancement and resilience in the face of challenges.
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