Eighty-eight sugarcane farmers from the Western region received government grants in a ceremony held yesterday in Ba, officiated by the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh.
The two main grants awarded are the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, both designed to improve productivity and provide essential resources to farmers. To date, the government has aided 223 farmers through the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance program.
Minister Singh emphasized the importance of these grants, stating, “These farmers have benefitted from crucial funding that helps them access and secure land for sugarcane farming.” Among the new beneficiaries, 52 farmers are located in the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 in Lautoka, and 23 along the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor. This initiative not only assists new farmers but also supports existing farmers in securing land tenure to expand their operations and sustain the industry.
Addressing the critical issue of land access for sustainable sugar farming, the Minister reinforced the government’s commitment to addressing land lease challenges to ensure every farmer receives the necessary support to thrive. He acknowledged the urgency of tackling labor shortages and high production costs, placing a strong emphasis on farm mechanisation as a vital strategy for boosting productivity.
As part of the mechanisation efforts, 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators are being distributed to tractor service providers throughout the sugar sector. “These vital tools will assist farmers in planting and applying fertilisers more efficiently, reducing manual labor and enhancing overall productivity,” Mr. Singh noted.
To make this technology more accessible, the Farm Mechanisation Grant offers a 50% subsidy on these essential machines, allowing tractor service providers to affordably obtain and provide services to farmers at subsidised rates, particularly for cane planting and fertiliser application.
This collaboration between the government and private sector aims to ensure that modern farming techniques reach all farmers, irrespective of their resources. Minister Singh stated, “This mechanisation programme is a crucial part of our strategy to modernise the sugar industry, reduce production costs, and increase yields.”
Looking forward, he highlighted that the future of Fiji’s sugar industry relies on the ability to adapt and innovate, paving the way for a sustainable and competitive sector.
This initiative is a testament to the government’s recognition of the challenges faced by farmers and their commitment to fostering a resilient agricultural sector. By investing in modern technologies and ensuring access to essential resources, the future of the sugar industry appears promising, with potential for greater sustainability and economic growth.
Leave a comment