Eighty-eight sugarcane farmers from the western region of Fiji received government grants yesterday from the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar, Charan Jeath Singh, during an event held in Ba.
The two primary grants provided are the New Farmers/Lease Premium Grant and the Farm Mechanisation Grant, both aimed at improving productivity and offering vital resources to farmers. To date, the minister noted that the initiative has supported 223 farmers through the New Farmers and Lease Premium Assistance programme.
Mr. Singh stated, “These farmers have benefitted from crucial funding that helps them access and secure land for sugarcane farming.” 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. He emphasized that the program not only aids new entrants but also enhances land tenure security for existing farmers, promoting the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Addressing land access challenges, the minister affirmed the government’s commitment to tackling land lease issues through continued dialogue and strategic planning. Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of farm mechanisation to overcome labor shortages and high production costs, stating, “We are prioritising farm mechanisation as a key part of our strategy to boost productivity.”
As part of this initiative, 12 sugarcane planters and 16 fertilizer applicators are being allocated to tractor service providers across the sugar sector. These tools will enable farmers to plant crops and apply fertilizers more efficiently, thereby reducing manual labor and enhancing productivity.
The Farm Mechanisation Grant will offer a 50 percent subsidy on these machines, allowing tractor service providers to access the equipment affordably. In return, these providers are expected to deliver their services to farmers at subsidized rates, particularly for cane planting and fertilizer application. This collaboration between the government and private sector aims to make modern farming techniques accessible to all farmers, regardless of their resources.
Mr. Singh concluded by stating, “This mechanisation programme is crucial to modernizing the sugar industry, reducing production costs, and increasing yields. By providing these technologies to farmers, we are paving the way for a more sustainable and competitive sugar industry in Fiji. The future of our sugar industry depends on our ability to adapt and innovate.”
This proactive approach not only supports the farmers but also aims to secure the future of the sugar industry in Fiji, promoting a more resilient agricultural sector.
In summary, the government’s efforts to fund and modernize sugarcane farming present a promising future for farmers, potentially leading to improved sustainability and productivity within the industry.
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