Yesterday, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, distributed government grants to 88 sugarcane farmers from the Western region during a ceremony in Ba. The grants, which include the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, aim to enhance productivity and provide essential resources to the farmers.
To date, 223 farmers have benefited from the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance programme, which helps farmers access and secure land for sugarcane cultivation. Among the new beneficiaries, 52 farmers are situated in the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 in Lautoka, and 23 in the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. Mr. Singh emphasized the importance of land access for the long-term sustainability of the sugar industry and assured that the Government is committed to addressing land lease issues through continuous consultation and strategic planning.
Additionally, the Government is tackling labor shortages and high production costs by prioritizing farm mechanisation. During the event, it was announced that 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators would 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 cane planting and fertiliser application.
Mr. Singh highlighted that this partnership between the Government and the private sector will make modern farming techniques more accessible to all farmers, thereby fostering a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry in Fiji. He concluded by stating that the ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial for the future of the sugar industry.
This initiative not only supports current farmers but also paves the way for future generations, ensuring a sustainable and thriving agricultural sector.
Hopeful Perspective: The focus on innovation and modern farming techniques offers farmers a promising path towards enhanced productivity and sustainability, ultimately contributing to the resilience of Fiji’s sugar industry.
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