Cane Grower newsletter launched to connect Fiji’s sugarcane farmers
The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, today in Rakiraki launched the Sugar Cane Growers Council’s Cane Grower newsletter, a new platform aimed at strengthening communication with sugarcane farmers across Fiji. The launch took place on August 20, 2025.
Singh said the newsletter will serve as a vital channel to keep farmers informed, connected, and empowered. “It gives me great pleasure to reach out to you through the Sugar Cane Growers Council’s newsletter, Cane Grower—a platform dedicated to keeping you informed, connected, and empowered,” he stated. He added that the publication will deliver important updates on programs, initiatives, and government support measures tailored for farmers, and will also showcase field stories of innovation, perseverance, and growth.
The minister emphasized that the sugar industry thrives on the hard work and resilience of cane farmers, and the newsletter will act as a bridge between farmers, industry stakeholders, and government. He described Cane Grower as a tool for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and inspiration, and reaffirmed the SCGC’s commitment to amplifying farmers’ voices, improving communication, and bringing services closer to households. The goal, he said, is to boost productivity, modernize farming practices, and safeguard the long-term sustainability of Fiji’s sugar industry. Farmers were encouraged to engage with the newsletter and take advantage of the opportunities and information it offers.
Access to Cane Grower will be available via the Ministry’s Facebook Page, the Ministry website, and the SCGC Facebook page.
Context and added value for the sector
The newsletter launch comes amid broader efforts to bolster farmer representation and governance within Fiji’s sugar sector. Industry discussions have highlighted the need to restore grower representation on key boards; an upcoming SCGC election is expected to empower around 10,500 registered cane growers and restore a seat at the decision-making table after a 20-year gap.
In related ongoing initiatives, the government has previously distributed grants to support land access and mechanisation for sugarcane farming. To date, more than 223 farmers have benefited from the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, with allocations reaching regions such as Rarawai to Penang Mill, Lautoka, and Nadi to Sigatoka. These measures include a 50 percent subsidy on mechanisation equipment, intended to reduce costs and boost productivity across the sector.
What this means for readers and farmers
– Direct access to timely updates on government programs, initiatives, and support measures relevant to cane farming.
– A stronger channel for farmer voices to be heard by industry stakeholders and policymakers.
– Practical insights and success stories from the field to inspire innovation and better farming practices.
– Clear information on how to access grants, land tenure support, and mechanisation subsidies as part of broader modernization efforts.
A hopeful note
Industry observers view Cane Grower as a positive step toward more open dialogue, better dissemination of resources, and stronger alignment between farmers and government. By linking growers with ongoing modernization programs and governance reforms, the newsletter has the potential to help Fiji’s sugar sector adapt to changing conditions and remain resilient for the long term.
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