Eight sugarcane farmers in the Western Division have received valuable support aimed at enhancing sustainability and productivity through the New Farmer Assistance and Lease Premium Renewal grants, amounting to $43,479. This initiative underscores a commitment to bolstering the future of the sugar industry.
Outgoing Minister for the Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, emphasized that this grant represents more than just monetary assistance. He described it as an investment in the confidence and continuity of the industry, providing essential support for securing land, alleviating the financial strain of high lease renewal fees, and aiding new entrants into the sector.
Singh pointed out that this initiative, part of the New Farmer & Lease Premium Assistance Programme, highlights the government’s dedication to rehabilitating and advancing the sugar industry. He stated, “Importantly, this Government has been clear from the start — we are not in the business of shutting down sugar communities; we are in the business of rebuilding them.”
To date, the programme has successfully assisted 587 farmers with a total government investment of $2.7 million. Additionally, 16 more farmers are set to benefit from the New Farmer Assistance and Lease Premium Renewal grant in Labasa later this week.
Singh stressed that such investments have been pivotal for the sugar industry’s ongoing prosperity. He pointed to various improvements, including investments in mill performance, logistics, governance reforms, and field support, all of which have contributed to enhancing sugar production. These efforts have been instrumental in meeting the government’s production targets and increasing cane output by 200,000 tonnes annually.
The ongoing support for sugarcane farmers illustrates a positive commitment to the agricultural sector, fostering resilience and growth in communities reliant on sugarcane farming.
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