The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, announced the distribution of government grants to 88 sugarcane farmers from the western region. This ceremony took place in Ba and aimed to enhance productivity by providing essential resources for farmers.
The two main grants included are the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant. These initiatives have already aided 223 farmers by facilitating access to land crucial for sugarcane farming. Mr. Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to securing land leases, which is vital for the future sustainability of Fiji’s sugar industry. The recent support will benefit 52 farmers in the Rarawai to Penang Mill area, 13 in Lautoka, and 23 in the Nadi to Sigatoka corridor.
To address challenges like labor shortages and elevated production costs, the government is prioritizing modern farming through mechanisation. This includes distributing 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertiliser applicators to tractor service providers, which will enhance planting efficiency and decrease reliance on manual labor.
The government will cover 50 percent of the costs of these machines, enabling service providers to offer their equipment to farmers at subsidized rates, especially for key activities such as cane planting and fertilizer application. This collaborative effort aims to make advanced agricultural technologies accessible to all farmers, fostering a more competitive and sustainable sugar industry.
Mr. Singh concluded with a positive outlook, acknowledging that the future of Fiji’s sugar industry relies on innovation and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
This initiative not only supports immediate farming needs but also sets the groundwork for long-term improvements in productivity and sustainability in Fiji’s sugar sector. It’s an inspiring example of government and private sector collaboration aimed at uplifting farmers and ensuring the industry’s resilience.
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